it's all about context. Let me elaborate. When I was with my abusive ex, he used crying as a means to lure me back in. He used his tears to manipulate a part of me who was in-love with him. When he realised that I was that close of leaving him for good, tears was his only option. But empty promises whilst begging me to stay was the straw that broke the camel. I did not blame him for crying. Probably, he meant it or probably not. What matters whether his actions and words are in sync, I'd always go by with the behaviour. It is crucial to understand what the tears are for (crocodile tears or not) and to know yourself deep down (your boundaries). Are you being lured into submission (toxic violent relationship), use your emotions to manipulate/guilt trip you or is the person truly shows heartfelt remorse? There are tell tell signs to spot them but it is always subjective depending on the circumstance and the person involve. Hope that helps. ☺️👌

Replies (2)

it helps a lot, Lady Mae. thanks for sharing~! you're not the first to mention manipulative tears. honestly, i wasn't aware that guys did this so much, so that's interesting to learn. good for you for protecting yourself and your boundaries. it's difficult to break a cycle of brokenness, but, as you know, it's not your responsibility nor within your power to fix someone else's brokenness—it's his responsibility. how do you feel about a man showing actual heartfelt tear?—from remorse, grief, or even joy or beauty?
thank you for your kind words. Tears or not, there will be people who will take advantage on you if you are not sure of yourself and your boundaries. Every part of us has some trauma that we all have to overcome and reconcile with. What is important as you said, to recognise it and break the cycle yourself. ☺️ As for men who truly shows remorse, they will have my respect even more. If they are my partner then I'd be more inclined to protect what we have. We all make mistakes, what is important how we learn from it (together as a couple), what we can tolerate (boundaries) and if there is indeed future for both of you (walk the talk). Showing remorse is one thing, whether one can learn from it by showing through their actions is another thing. Based on their behaviours going forward, you adjust what you know about that person or your partner. ☺️