I never realised how emotionally strong I am.
If you’re the kind of person who can’t help but hold back the waterworks during a movie, you’ll be happy to hear the trait is actually a testament to your character.
Whether you’re a silent weeper or an uncontrollable sobber, psychiatrists have found that this is a sign you may have more emotional strength than those who don’t.
Perhaps you’re unapologetically a crier, or maybe, like me, you check to see if others are teary-eyed before letting it all out.
You may be wondering how this is the case when crying is so often linked to being more sensitive or weaker.
Neuroscientist, Paul Zak, has studied the effects of compelling stories, which show that watching them can cause the release of oxytocin.
Oxytocin is best-known for its role in childbirth and breastfeeding, increasing contractions during labour and stimulating the milk ducts.
It is also released when we have positive social interactions and positive physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, sexual intimacy, and even petting animals.
Crying is often linked to the release of oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’, so when you cry during a movie, it shows that your attention is deeply engaged and the film’s plot has successfully triggered strong emotions.
One of these emotions is empathy, which, according to psychologist Daniel Goleman, is one of five key emotional intelligence characteristics, along with self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, and social skills.
From ‘Marley & Me’ to ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ (my personal tearjerkers), next time you’re about to well up and feel shame about it, remember you’re just an emotionally strong human, and this is just how you flex your emotional muscle.
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