Thank you very much Keely for sharing your experiences and your advice. I like the idea of simply not making a big deal out of it because as you say, if the person needs more privacy, they will take it. For me, the important thing is simply accepting that we are all human and have human emotions.

By the way, one of my strategies when I feel the tears are about to surface is to take some conscious breaths to help me feel more grounded.

Thanks Clare for sharing your experiences. I think that many people fear the expression of emotion such as crying (and grief) because they simply do not know what to do in the situation to handle it. So, they try to minimize it, avoid it or shut it down. I believe it takes courage to be able to sit with another while they are crying rather than trying to shut it down or stop it.

Great that you feel better Angela. Sometimes I find a little cry helps me release some of the built up tension in the body and I feel better afterwards.

Thanks for the article. It's always nice to learn there are others out there! All the best.