# Tears of Joy

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tears-of-joy/35925>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 6, 2000, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tears-of-joy/35925 "2000-10-06T04:38:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2000, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tears-of-joy/35925/1 "2000-10-06T04:38:07Z")

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Why do we cry when something really wonderful and poignant happens?

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**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tears-of-joy/35925/2 "2020-08-13T17:39:57Z")

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Some scientist believe that tears encourage catharsis, this is true whether you cry for sadness or poignant happiness. It helps with the emotional balance.