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Crying Is Not A Sign Of Weakness - It Is A Sign Of Emotional Intelligence

Crying Is Not A Sign Of Weakness - It Is A Sign Of Emotional Intelligence

Some people hide their tears in public so as not to reveal their weakness. But in reality, crying is a sign of emotional intelligence. We all, at one time or another in our lives, face difficult situations. These can trigger negative emotions combining disappointment, sadness, dismay or even anger. If some people overcome the hardships of life by remaining impassive, others may let out tears. However, crying is often associated with a form of sensitivity that makes the individual vulnerable to others. As a result, many people isolate themselves to let their tears flow, thus thinking of hiding their weakness. What if crying was actually a sign of emotional intelligence? We tell you more.

Crying Is Not A Sign Of Weakness

In popular belief, crying is a sign of emotional fragility and even immaturity. Coupled with the way babies express their emotional needs, shedding tears can lead to shame. However, this is a physiological mechanism that we do not always control. According to Tom Lutz, professor of literature "Crying avoids the hellish spiral of anxiety and depression". In reality, by expressing our emotions when they arise, we can alleviate a heavy psychological burden.

Crying is a sign of emotional intelligence

According to Daniel Goleman, psychologist, emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to identify, understand and manage one's own emotions. When we hold back our tears, it's our emotions that struggle to express themselves. Thus, we repress our anger and our sadness so as to suffer the effects of the latter. According to Dr. Frey, biochemist and head of the psychiatry department at Ramsey Medical Center, tears are a process that allows the body to release toxins induced by emotional stress. Indeed, the tears secreted during a painful emotional situation are loaded with proteins and hormones linked to stress (ACTH and prolactin). As a result, the doctor believes that tears help to calm the mind and that society's orders concerning this comforting mechanism should not be there. Every human being is free to express what they feel in the most natural way they see fit.

The benefits of tears

In addition to the ability to relieve psychological injuries, tears have several advantages, as psychologists remind us:

- They protect the eye
The primary function of tears is to protect the cornea. When the lacrimal glands produce tears, the cornea benefits from certain benefits, notably lubrication and protection of the eyes against pathogens. In reality, the tear film contains substances that act as antiseptics for the eyes, thereby protecting them from irritation and potential infections.

 - They comfort
As researchers at the Pasteur Institute suggest, tears contain opiorphine, a protein that has effects against depression. As a result, crying would relieve stress, sadness and anxiety and restore good humor.

- They help to communicate
Nonverbal language represents a large part of our communication. Thus, we consider that tears are a means of expression like any other. When words become difficult to express, the body can take over and define certain emotions. Tears are therefore a way to highlight his suffering and his need for consolation.

- They help relieve emotions
When you experience an emotional overload related to stress, distress or even joy, tears can help regulate emotions. Indeed, tears associated with feelings of happiness can also appear in certain situations. Thus, crying helps to release all internal tensions and restore emotional balance.

- They promote letting go
We live in a context where stress often overwhelms us. Thinking about the past, the present or the future, certain emotions can arise and incite to question and inflict upon themselves certain sufferings. But when we cry, these pessimistic ideas that can hinder our well-being eventually diminish. "Crying can cause questioning and be regenerating," says experts. Nevertheless, after giving free rein to her tears, it is necessary to bounce back and take new constructive resolutions.12