Robert Birming

Tears of Joy

I came across this writing prompt:

"What makes you shed a tear of joy?"

I'm a real sucker for tearjerker movies. I fall for them every time. It doesn't matter if it's an animated children's film or a half-hearted drama that recycles every worn-out cliché. It works on me, every time.

A recurring theme that usually triggers tears for me is reunion and reconciliation. I don't know why. Maybe there's something deep down that resonates with that kind of plot. It's not something I've been able to connect to so far, if that's the case.

I love going to the movies, preferably alone. It's so relaxing and pleasant. But I avoid movies that I more or less know will make me burst into tears.

It's not that I think it's embarrassing to cry openly, absolutely not. But I still find myself holding back in a way I wouldn't if I were sitting at home watching. And tears should be cried out unrestrained, not stifled like a sneeze (which, by the way, should also not be held back).

There's something liberating about crying, whether it's for joy or sorrow. It's cathartic. And if you think about it, it's a pretty odd thing compared to most other creatures on our planet.