"لسنا بحاجة أبدًا للشعور بالخجل من دموعنا."

Tears are a natural response to a whole spectrum of emotions—everything from joy to sorrow. This quote reminds us that tears are nothing to be embarrassed about. They’re a sign of our humanity, our ability to feel deeply.

Historically, this sentiment might be traced to times when stoicism was highly valued, particularly among men. Society often said that showing emotions was a sign of weakness. But think about it—why should our natural responses be something we hide? Charles Dickens, who wrote these words, lived in the 19th century, an era when emotional restraint was both a social and moral expectation. He wanted to challenge that and encourage emotional authenticity.

Let's take a real-life example: imagine a firefighter. Every day, they face life-and-death situations. They’re trained to be tough, to stay calm. But each rescue, each loss, leaves a mark. Recently, a firefighter named Sarah shared her story. She saved a little girl from a burning house, but the girl’s dog didn’t make it. Sarah held the girl in her arms as she sobbed, and she started crying too. She said, “In that moment, I wasn’t just a firefighter. I was a human being who felt the weight of loss and relief all at once.” Sarah’s tears were an acknowledgment of the intense emotions she experiences in her job—nothing to be ashamed of.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, give yourself permission to feel. Don’t bottle up your emotions. If something moves you to tears, let them flow. It’s okay to cry when you’re overwhelmed with happiness or when you’re deeply hurt. It’s your body’s way of processing and releasing emotions. Second, be supportive when others cry. Instead of feeling awkward or trying to make them stop, just be there with them. Sometimes, all we need is someone to sit with us and say, “It’s okay, I’m here.”

Picture this: You’re at a wedding. The bride’s dad is giving his speech, and he starts tearing up. He pauses, takes a deep breath, and wipes his eyes. Instead of rushing through his speech or apologizing, he smiles and says, “These are happy tears.” The room fills with a collective understanding—a shared moment of genuine emotion. That’s the power of embracing our tears.

In moments like these, tears connect us. They show our vulnerability and strength. They remind us that it’s okay to feel–deeply and openly. So next time you feel those tears coming, don’t fight them. Embrace them. They’re part of what makes us beautifully human.