2020 year has been rough. Massive loneliness, heartbreak, COVID, a job loss, major surgery, recovery from said surgery, the death of two grandparents — 2020 has NEARLY had it all. If you’re like me, you HATE crying. And it’s not that I am ashamed to cry. Men have feelings and feel deeply. Read more about that HERE. I just don’t like the attention of people looking at me while I cry. (Go ahead and Analyze This, Billy Crystal [if you don’t get this very lame attempt at humor, I’m sorry you haven’t seen a good movie from 1999.]) I prefer to cry alone or places where I am in solitude. Sometimes it’s good to find a place to cry and schedule it in your calendar — “sorry I’m busy during lunch on Friday. Ah yes, I see here, Friday from noon to 1pm, find a place and cry” Because of this, here are my top 5 places to cry, ranked from decent (5) to best (1).
5 — On a Run By Yourself
While you may have some people rubber-necking at you depending on the location of your run (i.e. a populated area), but if you want to feel like you’re being somewhat productive for your physical health while also bursting into tears, crying on a run is a viable option! 10/10 tears or sweat droplets for this recommendation, because who’s to say what the watery salty discharge from your face is while you run truly is???
4 — In the Woods
Wilderness is an excellent place to just get by yourself, think, and shed some eye sweat. Walking through the woods gets your blood pumping and the tears flowing without any pesky peering eyes looking at you, with the exception of possibly a few squirrels or deer or bears or beings without a conscious / opposable thumbs.
3 — In Your Car
In their own vehicle, some people curse out strangers that cut them off in traffic, finish their makeup on the way to work, eat delicious Taco Bell on the go (Taco Bell sponsor me plz), or bump NPR to really get the party started. One of the greatest things you can do in your car, is find a nice parking lot and just cry. Or if you’re reading this in the future and your car can drive itself, just go for it, friend! Travel and crying! Who could want better?
2 — In Your Bed
In the words of Dr. Steve Brule, “do you live alone like I do?” If so, might I suggest crying in bed. For one, no-one else is there to see it, so you don’t need to worry about anybody else seeing you. Get those emotions out right before sleepytime. Only your neighbors can hear you, depending on your distance from others and how loud you wail!
1 — In the Shower
Do you like having your body AND soul feeling clean AT THE SAME TIME??? Then I would recommend to take a shower and spend some time shower crying. Nothing better than a clean body and a clean soul from the tears getting out. If you REALLY wanna up your shower cry game, I would also recommend cleaning your shower beforehand. A clean place to cry is the best place to cry.
On a Serious Note
Sometimes life sucks, and that’s ok. Sometimes you’re sad, and that’s ok too. If you feel too much—talk to a friend, family member, or someone who loves you. Go to counseling if you feel you need (it’s great! I have been and 10/10 would recommend!). Talk about how you feel with people. We’re not meant to walk through this life alone.
And if you’re currently feeling like life is too much and you can’t go on, we need you here, friend! If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, tell someone. If you are afraid to talk to someone you know, I am BEGGING you to call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK
You are loved.