What to say when people ask if you're crying

If you are having a really bad day it can be challenging to hold back the tears in public. Even though it isn’t a crime to cry in public, it can be embarrassing when you start blubbering away in front of people on the bus or at work.

I remember when my dog Poochie passed away, I was feeling so sad and emotional. I heard a sad song on my iPod and I could not stop crying on public transport. I was trying to wipe my eyes, it was embarrassing but I was so truly gut-wrenchingly sad.

If somebody asks if you’re crying and if you are OK, use one of our fun comebacks below to hold yourself together.

10 Best replies when someone asks if you are crying

1. No, my eyes are just sweating.

2. I’m not crying, I’m having an allergic reaction to feelings.

3. I’m not crying because I am sad. I am crying because I want to punch you in the face and the law says I can’t.

4. I won’t cry for you, my mascara is too expensive.

5. No tears here, just my eyes doing a little spring cleaning.

6. No, I’m just sweating through my eyes. It’s a new workout trend.

7. I’m OK. I am just going through a challenging season of life.

8. Yeah, I’m not feeling super sparkly today.

9. My life has more drama right now that a van full of drag queens.

10. I am juggling a lot of things right now. I hope things get easier soon.

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More comebacks you might like

when you cry in public meme

Why do people feel uncomfortable when others cry in public?

Some folks may feel uncomfortable when others cry in public for several reasons, including not knowing how to respond they are not used to seeing a person being vulnerable.

Witnessing someone cry can make others feel helpless or uneasy, especially if the observer has no clue how to offer support. In some cultures, may have shaped the people think that public displays of emotion are best kept private, leading to discomfort when confronted with such situations.

Crying is a natural reaction to frustration or going through a challenging situation. We need to have empathy for those around us because we truly never know what people are going through.

James was embarrassed that he cried in front of his guy friends after a bad break up

James felt a wave of embarrassment as tears welled up in his eyes in front of his guy friends after a painful breakup. He had always prided himself on maintaining a stoic facade, particularly in the presence of the guys.

The stress and emotional turmoil of the breakup had caught him off guard, and he struggled to contain his feelings. He feared being judged for showing crying and showing vulnerability, especially in a social setting where his group of guy friends found emotional displays as a sign of weakness.

James was devastated when he discovered that his girlfriend of six years had been unfaithful. The shock and hurt ran deep, leaving him feeling a profound sense of betrayal and foolishness.

The emotional turmoil of realizing that the relationship he had invested in had been compromised left him reeling with a mix of disbelief and heartache. The pain of the breakup was compounded by the sense of being deceived and the shattered trust, leaving him grappling with the weight of the emotional fallout.

His good friends responded with empathy and understanding. Their support helped him recognize that it was okay to show vulnerability and seek comfort during difficult times. Sometimes you go through a hard season of life and it is challenging to hold it all together.

The Role of counselling and self care

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When you are dealing with someone who catches you crying and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.

Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home. 

Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.

Got any comments, questions or tips for dealing with what to say when someone catches you crying? Share them in the comments below.

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2 Comments

  1. OMG ? these are the best comebacks ever thank you ? people ????I cry ? all the time these really helped with my break up with Lachlan he was the best boyfriend ever. I loved him so much ????????????He broke my to a ugly girl ? her name is Selma. Now I’m actually crying ? right now while writing this . I love you people ??Lachlan if you are here I’m sorry but you broke my heart ???????in to.

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