"Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots "

Crying is often seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability, but it's a fundamental part of being human. When we cry, we express emotions that words sometimes can't capture. We're showing that we care, that we feel deeply. Suppressing these emotions would make us cold and unfeeling, almost robotic.

Historically, society has placed a stigma on crying, especially for men. Think about the "stiff upper lip" mentality or the phrase "boys don't cry." These ideas have roots in old-fashioned, rigid views of masculinity and strength. They suggest that showing emotion is a flaw, something to be hidden. But times are changing. More and more, we're recognizing that showing emotion is not just okay—it's necessary for our mental health and well-being.

Imagine a scenario: you're at a funeral for a close friend. The room is filled with people who loved them, and everyone is keeping a brave face. But then, one person starts to cry, and suddenly, the entire atmosphere changes. Others start to cry too, and what was a silent, stoic gathering becomes an outpouring of shared grief. In that moment, everyone is connected in their sorrow, and the act of crying has made the grief more manageable. It's a release, a way of processing the pain together.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Next time you feel the urge to cry, don't hold back. Whether it's out of sadness, frustration, or even joy, let those tears flow. It’s a healthy release, and it can even be a way to communicate your feelings to others. If someone else is crying, offer them support without judgment. Understand that they're experiencing a moment of raw humanity, and your support can be invaluable.

Think about a time when you bottled up your emotions. Maybe you were at work, and you received bad news. You felt the tears welling up, but you pushed them down, plastered on a smile, and pretended everything was okay. Later, that unexpressed emotion turned into stress, maybe even physical pain—a headache, a tight chest. Now, imagine if you'd just let yourself cry. Sure, it might have felt awkward or embarrassing at the moment, but you'd have released that tension, felt a little lighter, a little more human.

I remember a time when I was overwhelmed with life. Everything felt like too much. I was sitting in my car, and suddenly, the tears just came. At first, I felt ridiculous—here I was, a grown adult, crying like a child. But after a few minutes, I felt a strange sense of relief. I hadn't solved any of my problems, but I'd let out some of that pent-up emotion. And you know what? I felt better. Less like a machine going through the motions and more like a person.

In essence, crying is a natural, essential part of our humanity. It connects us to our emotions and to each other. So don’t apologize for it. Embrace it. It’s one of the things that makes us beautifully, imperfectly human.