It is said that, “There is nothing like a good cry. I do appreciate that crying can be very therapeutic and cathartic. Women and men can benefit from a good cry.
However, I envy women. Over my lifetime, I have observed that most women can cry at the drop of a hat and come away refreshed and restored. In my experience, I have observed that most men cannot cry so easily – including me. I do cry, but rarely.
Now I know that there are many exceptions, but does that invalidate stereotypes? Especially when the vast majority display the stereotypical behaviour?
I consider myself a sensitive man. I had a wonderfully sensitive mother. I have a wife and two daughters as role models of sensitivity.
Going to a movie always brings on a debate in our house. My wife prefers “thrillers”, I love “romantic comedies”
At hospice - where I volunteer - I love to comfort the residents and families during the “end of life” journey. At hospice, I am surrounded by scores of sensitive women. So many tears, you practically. need a lifejacket. I’m the tearless hugger of the bunch – the comforter, the encourager, the listener.
So where are my tears? What does this say about me (if anything), if I have such difficulty mustering a tear or a good cry – even during the most saddening of experiences?
Is it simply because I am male, or am I falling back on stereotypes which are not true at all? I wish I knew. ~ eKim