Crying, explains Eaker Weil, helps us feel better because it's a cathartic act that relieves tension and allows the healing process to begin. Tear-jerker films can help us kick-start the process by forcing us to tap into repressed emotions.

But don't think you can have a good cry at the movies and call it a day. "That's only the beginning," says Eaker Weil. You have to work through those feelings and do something about them in order to move on, she explains. So, say you get emotional when E.T. goes home. It's up to you to figure out whether that's because you recently said goodbye to that special extraterrestrial in your life or, you know, that amazing boyfriend.

And speaking of boyfriends, couples might also benefit from breaking down in front of the big screen together. Many men, explains Eaker Weil, are "allergic to women's emotionality," causing them to flee a room as soon as their significant other starts to cry -- leaving girlfriends to feel like they have uncaring partners.

In order for men to get comfortable with tears -- hers and his own -- Eaker Weil recommends couples watch sad movies together. It's a safe and acceptable place for guys to get in touch with their feelings.

Image via Gurl.com

According to Eaker Weil, water is soothing because it gives us a feel-good dopamine rush that brings comfort during stressful times. Since crying is also soothing by virtue of catharsis, weeping in the ocean or a pool might provide a winning combination that helps you drown your sorrows (see what we did there?). Think of it as the bacon-wrapped hot dog of emotional healing; why have one when you can have two?

And for those who feel more comfortable crying in private, swap singing for sobbing in the shower for the same effect.

Image via theodysseyonline.com

The next time you're desperately trying to stop yourself from crying in public, don't. Many of us fear that strangers will judge us negatively if let the waterworks fly, but the opposite is often true: people will respond with kindness and sympathy. Tears make us appear vulnerable and are a visual signal that we need help, which means compassionate folks will often approach and comfort those who cry in public.

So go ahead, leave a trail of tears all over your city. You may find out more than you wanted to know about the person sitting next to you on the subway, or you could end up meeting a kindred spirit.

Image via Reactiongifs.me

It's only natural that many of us crave comfort from someone when we're feeling down in the dumps, but it's important to choose carefully when seeking out reassurance from acquaintances.

"If you're crying in front of a man, you might not get sympathy and empathy," says Eaker Weil. "You might be told to man up and you may feel worse. Or, you may feel disappointed because the person isn't empathetic." Instead, cry in front of your best girlfriend, since, according to Eaker Weil, women are better at empathy than men.

Image via theodysseyonline.com

Certain tasks can overwhelm us to the point of making us want to bawl our eyes out. But sometimes giving into the desire to break down before we've wrapped a project will not only prevent us from finishing it, but also make us feel worse about our situation. Giving into the cathartic release that comes from crying will feel better once a problem is resolved.

For those who simply must shed a few tears, Eaker Weil recommends what she calls the Five-Minute Mope Rule. "I give people permission to mope and cry for five minutes, three times a day," says Eaker Weil. "But during the other parts of the day, they have to get on with their day and move forward. It gives you a way to compartmentalize the fear and the pain and not let it get in the way. You don't want to get stuck in it."

Image via Fox.com