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.

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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."

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