Emotional

[borisnatasha]

I am a male in my 50s, fairly happy-going and have a great family life. Over recent times I've noticed that I get very emotional and teary when hearing or seeing something sad or wonderful. Even singing "happy birthday" to my kids ... I get all choked up. Am I becoming a big sook, or is this something that comes with older age? Furthermore, is it treatable? I feel really weird and embarressed when this happens in public.

[jdtm]

I don't think this emotional aspect comes with older age.  I, too, get far more emotional than I used to but I believe that is because I have suffered a lot in the past few years - illness, death of close family and friends, family issues, etc.  I was depressed for a couple of years and I think this "mental health" issue had made my mind more inclined to "feel" emotions than before.  By the way, if the mind has to choose between emotional and cognitive tasks, it will always choose emotional.  My husband reacts similar to you; however, he was this way when I met him at 16 years of age.

[savik]

My dad started doing that to me, and he is normally a gruff type of man so it freaked me out.  Now, I am used to it and actually value it.  I feel like I am getting to know him.  I think it is normal.  I got that way whenever I was pregnant and approaching the birth--you know--in case I died during the delivery.

Just embrace it....

[CameronD]

I hope you are not a big sook, because that would make me a young sook. I never tell anyone because I must keep my traditional male persona somewhat but, often times my eyes become teared up when seeing sad/happy scenarios. I think about it sometimes and ask what is wrong with me? Yes, I have experienced some things that most never will. I am 22 and take care of my younger sister who is special needs, if that contributes to my emotions I don't know. I would actually argue that it is healthy to cry once in a while. Sometimes I feel that if I could cry for a day straight I would feel better and I am almost always happy. It sounds like you are just a genuinely pure hearted person. So roll with it, and think it could be a lot worse. You could never cry and be totally emotionless.

[CameronD]

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Hey if you are still interested paste this into your browser. and feel better about being a sook!

[mdiehl]

by mdiehl
I thought my menopause was a contributing factor adding to the emotions... I could cry at anything and really try hard to keep it under control. It is not just a treary eye when it comes either, it is a cry that is difficult to control. It is very difficult to have simple conversations with people at times without becoming emotional over something they say, and it is not personal ever, it is just heart felt. I really  need better suggestions than just go with the flow of it. I find it extremely upsetting at times to be so wimpy over something when sometimes there is just no reason to sob when no one else is sobbing but you.So I really feel for you.