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People Who Cry During Movies Are Emotionally Stronger, Says Study

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Breaking down while watching a movie is NOT a sign of weakness.

Gone are the days when we believed crying was a sign of weakness. While there are some people who still think they need to “man up”, and not show emotions or sweep all their feelings under the rug to prove that they are “strong”, many of us know that’s not true. Confronting your emotions is a lot harder and it takes a lot of strength to address feelings that are often considered “uncomfortable” or “bad”.

So if you’ve ever caught yourself feeling sad or emotional or breaking down during a movie, don’t be ashamed. If people have made fun of you for being too sensitive and weak, tell them science proves them wrong.

According to a study, crying during movies is NOT a sign of weakness. Paul J. Zak, a scientist, and author at Claremont Graduate University conducted a study where he confirmed that those who cry during movies are more empathetic, and are stronger when facing daily challenges because they know how to handle their emotions better. The study goes into detail about why inspiring stories make us react a certain way.https://ae8ed05de48e1ad1071356d4dbbbf7d0.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Brightside elaborates what really goes down when a person cries during a movie, and why it makes them stronger. Are you a movie-crier? Let’s look at why that’s a good thing.

1. You Are Empathetic

Oxytocin is related to trustworthiness between people and is a hormone released when we witness a touching scene. The hormone acts as a neurotransmitter and a high level of this helps people forge deeper relationships. Being empathetic you are more kind and considerate to the emotional state of others.

Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) Source: IMDb

2. You Are Brave To Deal With “Uncomfortable” Emotions

You don’t care what people think and you are brave enough to express your true feelings. According to Zak, this is also an effect of oxytocin. This makes you mentally tough when compared to those who try to hide their tears. Confronting your “difficult” emotions is more difficult but definitely more important than sweeping it under the rug and allowing it to fester and come out in unhealthier ways later.

Inside Out (2015) Source: IMDb/2014 – Disney/Pixar

3. You’re Able To Appreciate Art And Beauty More Deeply

You recognize the value of appreciating those around you and the beauty of feeling and caring so deeply about something. Superficial things don’t impress you much. You’re keen to look inside the soul of something or someone. What you find may not always be easy but sometimes you stumble upon a treasure trove of wonderful emotions and experiences and you’re strong enough to take the risk.

Lion (2016) Source: IMDb/ Long Way Home Productions 2015

4. You Don’t Care About Gender Roles Or Expectations

How sick are you of hearing “boys don’t cry” or ” crying is for sissies”? We’re done with toxic masculinity tropes. Whatever one’s gender, being able to confront emotions is a sign of great strength. It means you’re ready to shut down gender roles and stand up to toxic societal constructs. You’re taking the steps to be accountable for your emotional well-being so you may have better relationships with those around you and most importantly, with yourself.

The Green Mile (1999) Source: IMDb

5. The Power Of Tears

Crying is a great release to let go of bottled-up emotions and help deal with them better. Crying makes us connect with other people and helps us heal. Being vulnerable takes courage and opening up to people and showing them such a part of you helps in bonding with them. You know it helps achieve greater emotional stability than those who hide their feelings. And how good does it feel after a good cry? 

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