Stuff Mom Never Told You SMNTY Classics: Why Do You Cry When People Ask if You're Okay?
Jan 10, 2026
The question 'Are you okay?' can unleash unexpected tears. Discover how personal experiences, like election fallout, heighten emotional responses. Explore why honesty can reopen old wounds and the fear of losing control when crying. Kind acts can validate strong feelings, making it easier to express emotions. Delve into the world of highly sensitive people and their heightened reactions. The conversation also covers practical steps for checking intent before opening up and the importance of support networks in coping with feelings.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Question Can Reopen Old Wounds
- Being asked "Are you okay?" can reopen emotional wounds and trigger tears even when the question seems innocent.
- Anney Reese and Samantha McVey note that honest answers often surprise questioners and can lead to unexpected breakdowns.
Election Aftermath Made Honesty Hard
- Anney described struggling after the election when she could no longer say "I'm fine" and would answer honestly, which led to their trauma miniseries.
- She also avoided a friends' "soup getaway" fearing an uncontrolled emotional reaction.
Fear Of Losing Control Triggers Tears
- Hesitation to admit you're not okay can cause tears when confronted, because saying it might trigger an uncontrollable chain reaction.
- The fear is about losing control once the emotion starts, not just the sadness itself.
