Why do we instinctively try to make someone stop crying when they’re upset in front of us? Is it out of fear of feeling guilty?
Why do we instinctively try to make someone stop crying when they’re upset in front of us? Is it out of fear of feeling guilty?
It’s interesting to think about why we often feel this urge to stop someone from crying. I think it stems from a few different factors.
Firstly, humans are naturally empathetic beings. When we see someone in distress, our instinct is often to alleviate their pain—it’s a way of expressing care and support. Secondly, there’s a cultural aspect where we are conditioned to see crying as a negative experience, so we might react with discomfort or a desire to fix the situation.
Fear of guilt could definitely play a role as well; we might worry about our ability to help or feel responsible for their pain, especially if it’s someone close to us. Overall, while the urge to stop someone’s crying may come from a place of compassion, it can sometimes come from our discomfort with emotional vulnerability, both in ourselves and in others. Being aware of this can help us respond more thoughtfully and supportively when someone is expressing their emotions.