Women cry 30 to 64 times a year on average, according to the American Psychological Association — that evens out to about 3 to 5 cries a month. While research on how often female college students cry has not been widely conducted, a 2015 study on the frequency of crying in Britain revealed that about a third (32%) of 18-24 year old women reported crying at least once a week in the past year.
Speaking from personal experience, it’s safe to say that female college students do cry a lot. From traditional college stressors like schoolwork to low self-confidence to sad movies, there are a multitude of reasons why we whip out the tissue box (or our hoodie sleeves).
While there’s not much to be done to stop the issue of crying altogether — besides, there are many health benefits to shedding tears — feeling alone when you’re sad can be a troubling issue, especially when you might be hundreds of miles away from home.
It can feel awkward or difficult to tell friends you might be feeling a little down or that something upset you enough to draw tears. Some don’t want to text their news of melancholy in a group chat that might be buzzing with weekend plans or lighthearted conversation.
A ‘tears’ chat might be just the thing to give you a little more support and love when your eyes get a little extra watery.
This type of group chat is separate from any normal messages you might already have, and it is reserved solely for when one member of the group cries. Simply indicate your tears by sending the water droplet emoji 💦 (it’s TEARS people, nothing else). Members of the chat, whether it be friends or family, are immediately notified that you’ve cried and given the sign to give you a little extra love or support.
“It breaks down the wall of trying to tell your friends that something bad happened or that you’re sad and gives you a way to find support when you need it,” active tears chat member Rebecca Koblish said.
Texts are also welcome, however, for tears of joy.
“It can also be for happy times and when people are crying tears of laughter,” said Koblish. “It can be a way to look back on happy memories too.”
Especially now during midterms, added pressures and less free time can cause some extra anxiety. Let’s just say my chat is alive and well, and yours can be too. Happy crying!