Why do people cry out of happiness?
- Thread starter theincurableromantic
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Sure, this'll work.
I wish I knew as well, also I sincerely envy those who have.
Ever watch the end of the Superbowl or an award ceremony? My eyes glow green for them.
I tend to cry more when I'm happy than when I'm sad. It's embarrassing, especially for a guy, but I'm coming to grips with it as I get older. I think a lot of NF types are turned around that way emotionally. Happiness has a way of completely overwhelming me.
Cleansing in what sense?
G.Kai, I too thought it's because the happiness can be overwhelming.
My brother had an interesting answer, sort of an add-on to the overwehelming feelings. He said: I think if the happiness is related to something unexpected, rare, or if the opposite of whatever happened could have been very negative...
It's happened to me a few times. Usually out of relief...like you're letting go of your anxiety through the form of tears. Other times it's because of unexpected affirmation. When people say really nice (and unexpected) things about me, I tend to get emotional. Some find it endearing, but I find it embarrassing haha. Hmm to illustrate my point, on year 12 retreat/camp this year, all the students had to split into groups of 8 or so (we are a small school) and say something nice about each person in the group and explain why. When you have a group of people affirming you one after another, directly to your face, it's easy to get teary. And well, I did. Mostly because these girls were telling me things about myself that I didn't even know other people could see, and were affirming me for things I had insecurities and doubts about.
I can relate to the gratitude thing. Happiness experiences may not come every day, but when they do, I feel like the whole universe is in on it.
I frequently cry when I'm happy too. While I do tend to analyze just about everything, I couldn't tell you why it happens. I cry, or at least my eyes fill with tears at the surge of just about any strong emotion... happiness, sorrow, anger, etc. Others' tears can make me cry in empathy, too.
One of the best manifestations of this response, I feel, is laughing so hard you cry, which my mother and I used to do a great deal. It was wonderful.
I didn't overly vet this article, because I have to run and take my son to school in 5 mins, but I have previously read similar studies on the topic. While it doesn't seem to specifically go into tears of happiness, I'm sure the principle is the same:
One of the best manifestations of this response, I feel, is laughing so hard you cry, which my mother and I used to do a great deal. It was wonderful.
I didn't overly vet this article, because I have to run and take my son to school in 5 mins, but I have previously read similar studies on the topic. While it doesn't seem to specifically go into tears of happiness, I'm sure the principle is the same:
Gosh, I cry when I'm happy, laughing, sad and sometimes for no apparent reason at all! When it's from happiness, though, I guess I feel overwhelmed by the beauty of the situation or of love. Heck, I even cry when I sing! It's just the capstone on a swell of emotion, which some come to easily, and others don't. It can be embarrassing - especially when others who don't cry often don't think it's warranted. As if it somehow degrades its value. But crying definitely isn't just for hardship, and not even just for expressing sadness. It's cleansing - at least to me.
Hardly. I would imagine it the other way around. Being right has never been my strong suit.
Strength of feeling will always set me off, whether it's positive or negative. It's a release of emotions too great for me to express through other means. If I'm happy when I cry, I think it has more to do with a previous hardship that has made a 180 in the right direction. For example, when inkling found her b/f I sobbed buckets. It was an incredible relief to know she had found someone who would treat her like an equal. It was also a form of cleansing for me, since this happiness managed to cancel out some of the unhappiness from my other siblings bad marriages.
It's bittersweet.
It's bittersweet.
I think this (crying out of happiness) happens as a result of being touched by the beauty, happiness, gallantry, and such of others. In Buddhism, it is known as one of the 4 immeasurables, or "Sublime mind states" - It's called "Sympathetic Joy"
(Sympathetic as being in tune with and harmonizing with) - It is also deemed something that can be developed to counteract it's opposite enemy which would be jealousy or envy.
I'll post something more of the 4 immeasurables somewhere else.
(Sympathetic as being in tune with and harmonizing with) - It is also deemed something that can be developed to counteract it's opposite enemy which would be jealousy or envy.
I'll post something more of the 4 immeasurables somewhere else.
This is a beautiful force that you speak of that moves mountains. Your second point, the harmony of opposites, such as creative and destructive forces, is truly a balancing act. It's ultimately a divine dance, a sacred force. Let us know where you decided to post.
S
Shai Gar
I don't think I've ever cried out of happiness. I've welled up completely happy, but never cried from it.
Since it can be hard for some men to cry to begin with I'd imagine that crying out of happiness is not something that necessarily comes naturally, but it is within the human realm of capabilities. I've seen it done.
When Obama won, I cried. My husband teared up and not because he's a Republican.
Pure, unadulterated happiness.
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