Is it weird to feel embarrassed when tears well up?

Many people experience a rush of embarrassment when they feel tears coming, even in private. This feeling often stems from societal pressures that wrongly link crying to weakness or a lack of control. In reality, tears are a natural physiological response to a wide range of emotions, from sadness and frustration to overwhelming joy or relief.

Research from the University of Tilburg suggests that over 88% of people report having cried in public, indicating that it is a very common human experience despite perceived stigma.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who feels embarrassed when tears well up unexpectedly?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone feel embarrassed when tears well up?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel embarrassed when tears well up?

Is It Normal?

Why do I feel embarrassed when tears well up?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

and my dad’s got me helping him cause he says it’s 'building character' which mostly means lifting heavy stuff and getting splinters. …

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My dad works construction, like, hard hat and everything, and he always says I need to learn to be tough, you know? …

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My whole body feels heavy, like someone poured cement in my veins or something. …

crying shame

You know that feeling when the sheer weight of expectation presses down on you, so dense it feels physical, like a lead blanket thrown over your head? …

crying shame

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel ashamed when I cry in front of others?▾
Feeling ashamed when crying publicly often comes from cultural messages that discourage emotional displays. We're taught to be strong and composed, making public tears feel like a breach of unspoken social rules, even though they're a common human experience.
What's the difference between emotional tears and other types of tears?▾
Emotional tears, triggered by strong feelings, contain stress hormones that aren't present in reflex tears (from irritants) or basal tears (for eye lubrication). Releasing these hormones through crying can be a way the body copes with stress and intense emotion.
How can I stop feeling embarrassed about crying?▾
Reframing your perspective can help. Instead of seeing tears as a flaw, view them as a natural biological function. Understanding that many people share this feeling can also reduce the sense of isolation and self-judgment.

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