When it is okay for men to cry

. The death of a loved one. There are few things more painful that the thought of separation from those dearest to our hearts.

2. The death of your beloved pet. A pet can feel like a member of the family. Whether a horse or dog, the bond between a man and his faithful animal runs deep.

3. When you first see the new life you and your wife created. Many a man has found himself choked up as they cradle their newborn son or daughter.

4. When you propose to the love of your life and she says yes. This should be one of the happiest days of your life. You found your best friend.

5. At the altar as you get married. Everyone in attendance loves to see the husband-to-be get a little misty eyed as his blushing bride walks down the aisle.

6. When your beloved car or truck, especially your first one, gets totaled. There’s a bond between a man and his wheels that when severed, can really sting.

7. Visiting sites that pay tribute to those who laid down their lives for others. Whether running your fingers over the names at the Vietnam War Memorial or watching the oil leak from the sunk USS Arizona, contemplating the sacrifices made by your fellowman should make you tear up.

8. Describing a really spiritual experience. Feeling touched by a higher power can be really affecting.

9. As an athlete, after the final game/match/event that you will ever play in. You’ll never be in as good shape again. You’ll never experience this level of camaraderie again. You’ll never push yourself so hard every day. Go on and let it out.

10. While watching any of the following movies:

• Field of Dreams
• Brian’s Song
• Shawshank Redemption
• The Pride of the Yankees
• Old Yeller
• Iron Giant
• Life is Beautiful
• Saving Private Ryan.
• Rudy
• Braveheart
• Dead Poets Society
• Friday Night Lights
• We Were Soldiers
• Gladiator
• Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
• The Champ
• Glory
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• More reasons
• 1. When you favorite sports team loses. I get really into sports. But crying when men who don’t know you from Adam lose a game means you’ve got way too much invested.
  2. When those around you are looking to you as a source of calmness and strength.Sometimes your loved ones need you to be a rock.
  3. To the point of irrational thinking or paralysis when you have a job to do. I wanted to strangle Upham in Saving Private Ryan when he cried in the stairwell while his fellow soldier was being killed. When you have a job to do, get it together.
  4. When you don’t get your way. Little boys cry when they don’t get what they want. Men are disappointed, but resilient.
  5. When you’re frustrated. Crying because your overwhelmed and don’t know what to do is a cop out. You don’t have the strength to think of a solution, so you cry so you don’t have to think at all. Man up and figure out your next move.
  6. In baseball. There’s no crying in baseball!