Stopping the Tears

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life so far, it’s that crying makes it hurt. Whether it’s when I’m lying in bed with a fever, or stewing over an insult, nothing makes me feel worse than when the waterworks start going.

I’ve always been an oversensitive child. Ask any one of my old teachers, and you’ll get the same answer. Even now, I’m prone to magnify my emotions over the slightest happenings. When, before crying, my fury is building up against some innocent person, my rationality promptly leaves me. Each infinitesimal “wrong” is hyperbolized in my mind, filling me with indignation. Then when the angry tears start building behind my eyelids, I feel like the whole world was made to antagonize me. Yes, I would say that I’m prone to overreaction. And crying over it doesn’t help in the slightest.

I remember a time in my earlier years when I was down with a fever, squirming around on a couch. My throbbing head and rapidly changing body temperature was too much to bear. I sobbed, because when I put the blanket on I felt sticky with sweat, yet when I shoved it to the other end of the couch I was iced to the core. My pulse hammered in my ears. If I opened my eyes, I had to immediately close them, which increased the headache. The tears wouldn’t stop gushing out, and with each one my pain was amplified. My mother sat on the carpet next to me, brushing back my damp hair and attempting to dry my tear-streaked face.

“Don’t cry,” she said soothingly, “Crying will just make it hurt more.” I only now realize just how true those words are. No matter the situation or the person, nothing can be achieved by crying over spilt milk. You can’t change anything with tears- no more than you can become the President of the United States by sitting reclusively and moping at home. Life just doesn’t work that way.

Now, I try to find more reasonable ways to channel my sensitivity, because being a drama queen isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve learned that I can use my emotions in a plethora of different manners, and it all boils down to the choices I make. I try my best to choose the healthier habits because I believe that crying makes it hurt.