I'm a Cry-Baby, but Not in a Johnny Depp Kind of Way

Wednesday, September 3, 2008
I'm a sentimental sap.

I cry at commercials, at Lonestar songs, at human interest stories.

I cry when something sad happens to me, my kids, my friends, my friends' kids, my pets, my friends' pets, and on and on and on.

But is that necessarily a bad thing? I used to think so - coming of age in an environment where being "strong" was one of the hallmarks of success meant I needed to bury my sentimentality where no one would see it. Being sensitive was not a valued trait, nor was it rewarded.

While I still don't think it's appropriate for people to bawl in their professional capacities (exigent circumstances notwithstanding), I have decided that being a sentimental sap is not a negative trait. So what if it touches me when people succeed? Or fail? The only thing it says about me is that I have empathy for the joys and sorrows of others.

So basically, I'm a big crybaby who's too soft for the world. And I'm okay with that.

8 comments:

Cindi in CO said...

Me too.

I don't mind the sentimental bawling, it's the angry waterworks that piss me off. I cry because I'm enraged or frustrated, that makes me madder, and I cry harder. A viscious cycle, and a most unfortunate trait. After all, it's kind of hard to take someone seriously when they've got a snotty nose.

Shawn Powers said...

I cry every single time Maria comes back to the kids from the abbey.

Random Michelle K said...

I almost never cry except when I'm mad.

Now *that* is frustrating.

Janiece said...

Cindi, that would be our "designer genes."

And Michelle? Welcome to the family. Cindi and I promise we'll always take you seriously, even if you have a snotty nose.

But not when you say, "Moo, Motherfukcer, MOO!"

Random Michelle K said...

Walking sometimes helps. Which is why I don't like to sit down during an argument.

And why I like to talk about my day while I'm exercising. :)

vince said...

The only thing it says about me is that I have empathy for the joys and sorrows of others.

And this would be a much better world if more people had empathy for others. So good on you.

Jeri said...

I'm more like Michelle, I rarely cry except when I'm really mad and feel powerless.

I cried once at work, I absolutely hated that!

I wish I were more able to show my emotions.

Anne C. said...

I like that you're sentimental, Janiece. :)
I'm about half and half. I can get totally turned off (especially if I think I'm being manipulated) but can also cry if I key into my empathy. I usually only mad-cry after the fact (many of my emotions have a time lag, actually, which is wierd).