Public Tears Are Sometimes Acceptable: A Rationalization
In a world where emotions can often be seen as a weakness, a series of studies have revealed an unexpected truth: tears can act as a social lubricant, fostering trust, cooperation, and bonding among individuals.
According to Dr. William Frey II, crying lowers a person's manganese level, a mineral that affects mood. This physiological response, coupled with the emotional impact of tears, seems to have profound social implications.
A study published in Motivation and Emotion in February 2016 found that the display of tears increases perceived helplessness in a person, leading to a higher willingness to help. This is not just limited to strangers, as seeing tears makes us feel more closely connected to the crying individual. The study suggests that this emotional response can lead to increased altruistic behaviour towards the person in distress.
Anthropologist Ashley Montagu went a step further, stating that crying builds a community. This idea was supported by another study published in the same journal in February 2016, which found that ritual weeping, such as after adversity and disasters or when preparing for war, builds bonds between people.
Emotional tears have multiple uses, including removing toxins and chemicals from the body and affecting mood. According to Dr. Frey II, tears remove toxins like the endorphin leucine-enkaphalin and prolactin that have built up in the body from stress.
Interestingly, the studies also suggest that people who show embarrassment, including public crying, earn greater trust because others classify the transparency of expression as trustworthiness. This was further confirmed in a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, which found that people who embarrass easily are more likely to be altruistic, prosocial, selfless, and cooperative.
The individual's emotional outburst during a meeting with a colleague, which included crying and pig snorts, led to a bonding experience between the two. This incident, while unconventional, highlights the power of tears in fostering connections and building trust.
A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, published in 2020, found that embarrassment, including public crying, can have a positive role in the bonding of friends, colleagues, and mates. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests tears are more than just a sign of vulnerability; they are a social glue that helps people communicate, empathise, and connect.
In conclusion, tears are not just a physical response to emotional stress, but a powerful tool in building and strengthening social bonds. Whether it's in the workplace, at home, or in times of crisis, the act of crying can help individuals connect on a deeper level, fostering trust, cooperation, and a sense of community.
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