Psychologist reveals why crying at movies might actually mean something more

If you find yourself getting weepy at movies, you might have a quality that surprises you.

According to psychologists, crying while you’re watching something means a great deal and it shows what type of person you are.

There are so many films that have made me cry, it’s genuinely embarrassing to think about, but if you ever watch Vikings and see a man named Athelstan… just turn it off and don’t look back.

The same can be said for any Grey's Anatomy character ever created.

Crying happens to the best of us and when we watch a touching moment, something that is shocking or makes us feel like an injustice occurred, it’s only right that a tear or two falls down.

These tearjerking movies and shows are designed to catch you in your feels.

Crying when you watch something is normal (Getty Stock Image)

Why do we cry when watching movies?

Neuroscientist Paul Zak - who has studied the effects of heart-wrenching stories - told The Conversation, you might be crying because of the release of oxytocin.

Oxytocin is released during childbirth and breast feeding, which help to stimulate the milk ducts to produce milk and to help contractions too.

It’s also the hormone that’s released during intimate or sexual touches, such as hugging or kissing, and even stroking your animal or having a good time with friends.

Neuroscientist Robert Froemke told the publication that oxytocin amplifies what we’re experiencing in the moment.

So, if you’re getting choked up by the greatest love story in front of you, it might just be that your hormones are making you feel it deeper.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman also shared that empathy is one fifth of characteristics which are key in emotional intelligence.

You might not know this, but studies back up the reason why emotional intelligence (EQ) is uber sought after in leadership roles as people with high emotional intelligence tend to be able to communicate well, perform active listening, take and give feedback well among other things.

So, crying could indicate that you’re empathetic, and your emotional intelligence is high.

One psychologist said it could be a sign of strength (Getty Stock Image)

It could also show that you are emotionally strong.

OK, so you might feel like crying over fictional things seems like a weak thing to do, but it could apparently show that you’re not scared to be open about what you’re feeling.

According to a study conducted by Tilburg University, crying releases oxytocin which can help to build trust and human connection.

It found that people who cry during movies tend to experience greater satisfaction in real-life relationships as they can home in on other people’s emotions.

It also agreed with the hypothesis that a person more likely to cry at a film is more emotionally stronger as they are showing their emotions openly without fear.

So, if you feel like a tear is about to drop when you’re watching an emotional film, just let it happen.