Most of the time people cry during movies because the movie strikes an emotional chord with the person.
It either connects with something that actually happened in the person’s life or something that they wish would happen.
The folks that cry during movies have a touch of sentimentality in their personality. They are also rather sensitive especially when something touches their heart.
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There are different perspectives on people who cry during movies
So, what are they? First, there is a human perspective. There are scores of emotions present when somebody cries at a movie.
Then there are the scientific reasons. People who study human behavior weigh in on the matter.
In order to present a well-rounded perspective on why people cry at movies, we shall examine both arguments.
You can decide for yourself if crying during movies is due more to science or to human emotion.
It is very human to cry during movies
Of course, when a movie has a sad ending, we cry. However, many people also cry when it has a wonderful ending.
That is because we are so happy for the characters for whom the ending happened.
Perhaps in the back of our minds, we wish something similar would manifest itself in our own lives.
Yes, we did say it is a human thing!
Professional studies have proved that animals have emotions too. However, they would never cry because of a movie.
That trait is particularly owned by human beings. We are the only ones that do so.
Scientists and behavior professionals have a different take on this, however, but we will delve into that a little later in this post.
Is either position right or wrong? No, not really. There are merely different theories as to why folks cry during movies.
Is it wrong NOT to cry over emotionally charged movies?
Again, no, not really. Some people are more prone to let their emotions flow freely than others. It is not a gender thing nor an age thing.
People of all genders and all ages have different emotional responses to things such as movies.
Sometimes even our favorite television series will have episodes that make us cry. Those who do not cry just have alternative personalities.
We are all unique, including our emotional responses to things.
What do the scientists say about crying during movies?
According to scientists, those who cry at movies or sad television episodes are releasing a natural chemical found in humans.
This chemical is known as oxytocin. Its purpose in our body is to heighten our emotional responses to events and issues going on around us.
The above information comes courtesy of researchers in the Netherlands. The facility of record was the University of Tilburg.
They also observed that individuals who cry during movies were more relaxed following their experience.
Sometimes, a therapist will even advise their patients to see this type of movie. It is especially beneficial if they are feeling depressed.
Seeing other people with worse problems than our own is another plus for sad movies as doing so can offer perspective on our own lives.
Some world leaders cry at movies
According to the same Dutch research facility, some of history’s greatest leaders have been known to cry at movies.
Asmir Gracanin, a researcher who studies responses to emotional movies, stated that these leaders do so because they have a terrific sense of empathy.
This is true of men and women of any age or any background
What other benefits does crying at movies have? It allows a person to approach their life from different perspectives.
These people have more concern for their fellow man than those who are not known for showing their feelings. And while many may think so, crying at movies isn’t something that just girls or women do.
In fact, men, women, and all types of people of all different ages cry at movies.
Does crying over movies or television episodes mean you are weak?
Actually, crying at movies normally has the opposite meaning. People that do this have the strength of character to let their emotions flow freely.
That is one of the reasons these folks make such extraordinary leaders.
Professionals actually say that those who try to not cry at movies and hide the way they are feeling aren’t less strong emotionally than those who let themselves cry freely.
Strong people might also be sensitive to the bad news all around them. For example, people who witness animal abuse or bullying will cry.
These individuals proudly stand up and express their emotions. Such a person truly cares for those around them. Nothing at all wrong with that.
A more in-depth look at crying over a movie
Assistant Professor of Communication, Paul Glover, M.A. renders his thoughts on the topic. He extensively studied why people cry during movies.
He goes on to point out, as we stated earlier, that folks cry over happy movies too.
“The film we watched made us so happy for the main characters that we cried because of their joy.”
The above-mentioned study definitely looks at the subject from a scientific and behavioral expert’s point of view.
Those seeking more information ought to read this paper in its entirety. It can be found using your favorite search engines like Google or Bing.
Do children cry over movies and sad things on television?
Sometimes, yes, when it is something they connect with. An example would be an animal perishing at the end of the movie.
However, a child is not likely to cry tears of joy over an exceptionally happy moment in a movie.
That sentiment can change as the child grows into their teenage years and beyond.
Quite often, the children learn these emotions from their parents. If they see the parents cry during a movie, they learn it is acceptable behavior.
Then later on in their life, they will display their emotions too. Think we are wrong?
Observe your loved ones throughout the stages of their lives. Then answer that question for yourself.
How to respond to someone who makes fun of you for crying during movies
If it is a stranger or a mere acquaintance, simply ignore them. If it is your spouse, tell him or her they had better get used to this.
Go on to say you are not embarrassed to cry when something touches you. There is nothing at all wrong with this. Show your partner how tough you are by openly crying when a movie touches your heart and soul.
What if your children laugh at you?
Take that as an opportunity to teach them it is perfectly fine to show their emotions. They will grow up to be more sensitive and more appreciative of living beings.
Children learn by example. Be the person to set that example for them.
Who knows, you may wind up teaching your now-cynical spouse the same thing. That is good for everyone!
Is it ever wrong to show your emotions over something sad?
Absolutely not. It can be something on the news or an animal cruelty commercial that affects you. It can be a sad song played during a movie or television episode.
It can even be something you read in print or a love song on the radio.
This extends to other events in life too. When your spouse or kids remember your birthday with a special gift, for example, you may cry because you are so touched.
When your steady beau proposes marriage to you. When your children are born. These are all great and normal reasons to cry.
The point is that there is not a thing wrong with displaying emotions. Go ahead and cry if you want to!