A boyfriend or girlfriend we love dumps us. How do we react? Most of us go through a period of crying our
eyes (1) . But have you ever wondered why humans cry? Most mammals produce tears to clean and lubricate the eyes but humans are unique - perhaps with the exception of gorillas and elephants
- in producing tears in response (2) emotional stimuli. We might feel (3) crying
when we hear sad news, or even cry (4) happiness. Scientists are unsure what, if any, benefits
there are from crying as it seems to have little or no immediate effect (5) the situation that
has produced the tears. However, many people do say that they feel the benefits (6) a good
cry in that after it they are emotionally stronger, so it's possible that crying does in some way help us to get
(7) difficult emotional situations.
Some societies look down on adults crying. This attitude is sometimes seen in the society's language.
Expressions such as 'there's no point crying over (8) milk' and '(9) and bear it' in
English reflect a culture that - at least historically - does not value adult crying.
Crying can also be used as a means of deception. If you cry 'crocodile tears', you are (10) on
an act - pretending to be upset when in fact you are not.
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