The feeling can vary greatly depending on the guy, the relationship, and the context of the crying, but generally, men feel a complex mix of emotions including a desire to comfort, a sense of responsibility, and sometimes, even discomfort or helplessness.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Desire to Protect and Comfort: A common initial reaction is a strong urge to protect and comfort the girl. It triggers a protective instinct. They want to make the sadness stop and alleviate her pain. As the reference states, it can make them "want to hold her, comfort her, wipe away her tears."
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Sense of Responsibility: Many guys feel a sense of responsibility, especially if they perceive themselves as being the cause of the tears. This can lead to feelings of guilt or a strong need to fix the situation.
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Helplessness: Men are often socialized to be fixers, and seeing someone they care about in distress without knowing how to help can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration. They might not know the "right" thing to say or do.
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Empathy and Sadness: If the guy has a strong emotional connection with the girl, he will likely feel empathy and share in her sadness. He might even feel like crying with her. The reference notes that some men feel "blessed and honored" to be with someone who wears her heart on her sleeve, indicating a positive emotional connection.
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Awkwardness/Discomfort: Some men may feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially if they are not accustomed to emotional displays or if they are unsure of how to react. This isn't necessarily a lack of caring, but rather a lack of experience or understanding.
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Annoyance (Rare): In rare cases, a man might feel annoyed, especially if the crying is perceived as manipulative or excessive, or if it happens frequently. This is more likely to occur if there is a lack of trust or communication within the relationship.
It's important to consider the context of the situation. Happy tears, as the reference suggests, can evoke feelings of being "blessed and honored." Tears stemming from a difficult life situation might evoke empathy and a desire to help. Tears resulting from a fight could bring about feelings of guilt and the need to reconcile.
In conclusion, when a girl cries in a guy's arms, he's likely to experience a combination of emotions, ranging from a protective instinct and a desire to comfort to helplessness and, in some cases, discomfort. The specific emotions experienced depend heavily on the individual, the relationship, and the reason for the tears.
