I’m a 20 year old man, turning 21 soon, and I am a crybaby. granted, I keep this private and do not cry in front of people (ever) but I cry at the drop of a hat in private or will tear up & then excuse myself etc. recently I started volunteering at an animal shelter because I love cats and my eyes get misty basically every time I go. if I scroll social media and see videos of basically anything— an animal is rescued, updates on Gaza, some kid getting surprised by their deployed parent— waterworks immediately. I am a grown man and I cry when I see a homeless person when I’m just out and about running errands. this has never been problematic in my life or caused any issues but it is kind of embarrassing, even if just to myself. how can I stop being such a crybaby?
how to stop being a crybaby
r/Advice
Comments
You feel too much. That is power not weakness. Control it or it controls you.
You’re not a “crybaby.” You’re empathetic as hell, and that’s a strength, not a flaw. The world could use more people who feel deeply instead of numbing out.
Just don’t cry over trash. I’m sure there’s people that don’t respect themselves that judge other people for crying.
My family is full of people who cry easily. It’s not shameful at all. However, it can be uncomfortable and a bit invasive sometimes. I find that regulating my nervous system helps. Specifically, the autonomic nervous system. It contains a spot in your brain called the amygdala that helps regulate emotions. So, doing stuff to intentionally relax and ground, like hiking or listening to music or meditation, will strengthen your ability to have smaller emotional reactions to your environment. There’s a specific nerve, called the Vagus Nerve that you can “target” too. It runs through your core and sends stress or relaxation signals to your body. You can soothe it in a lot of ways. This is why you see people splash their faces with water in movies. Also, keep in mind that you can’t think your way into a regulated nervous system. It’s an automatic system connected to your senses, so you have to do body work.
Long story short, a daily practice of 5-10 minutes of soothing that nerve/system will make it easier to not spike in the moment and well up. It’s something I’ve done for years. I still cry, but not at every little heartwarming or mildly stressful thing like I did before.
There is nothing wrong with that in my opinion.
I (24m) cry easily too compared to most ppl. It may not be over similar things as you but ppl I care about can make me cry somewhat easily or my own thoughts from what’s going on in life. I just try my best to hold it together in public. Only time I break down is in front of close friends that know what I’ve been through. They support me and get why even if sometimes they are the reason I may be crying lol.
If I’m at work and something happens I tend to go for a short walk or go to my car if it’s extremely bad and I can’t control it. I just try to separate and change what I may be thinking on to help.
Besides that I keep it in private and cry there. Nothing wrong with being emotional. Don’t let it worry you. You can try to control it best you can but it can be difficult.
I find I cry easily if I haven’t been able properly express my emotions and thoughts. Journaling really helps for me
I have a hard time crying. I never do anymore. I’m pretty sure it is because I take Zoloft for anxiety. It might help you control your emotions.
Damn, you’re the opposite of me
I only remember crying twice in the last 10 years, even though I feel like it on most days
It’s completely ok to cry. You’re just an emotional person. And that’s fine. Hell, so am I. There is nothing wrong with crying or anything like that. You’re just in touch with your emotions, which is great, considering the majority of people aren’t. It’s good to be emotional, it’s completely human.
Nothing wrong or embarrassing about caring. I am a fellow crybaby and I think the world needs more people who genuinely feel for other people and animals. If it’s not causing you actual issues in your life, and is not due to something like depression, cry away.
I never cry for myself or shit that goes wrong in my life but a good film, music or a heartwarming story and I’m done. Only think it’s a bad thing when people cry at every little problem in their life and use it to manipulate people.
Just wondering if you went through difficult times as a child, were you mistreated by anyone, had a difficult family situation, experienced depression, anxiety, grief or loss?
You are compassionate. It’s beautiful.
What is an empath? A person who is highly attuned to the energies and emotions of those around them may be considered an empath. Empaths are said to feel what others are feeling so deeply that they “absorb” or “take on” the emotions themselves, often at the expense of their own emotional well-being.
Sound like you? I think you’re just an old soul. 🌊
I’m 41 and cry during war movies. I’m also a combat veteran. Men cry. It’s okay
Your still richer than me don’t worry
I got a negative bank balance on both my bank accounts so I hope this helps. And I’m pushing my mid 20s