Got a problem here guys.

[avenger]

I'm 51 and have started getting unusually emotional at the drop of a hat here lately.  I'm talking about tears fellas.
I've checked...and I still have the 'boys' and that was a relief, but I am a little concerned.

Thoughts? 

[Michigan Mike]

Could it be that you're coming to the realization that you'll never be able to retire?  (Sorry. Just lightening it up.)

I've never heard of men hitting a phase of emotional increases. Any significant events lately?  Perhaps you're just going thru a period of melancholy. I'm 43 and I've always been a bit more emotional than I'd like. My wife even makes fun of me!

[Seva]

I know that as I've gotten older that my heart is alot softer than it use to be. I attribute it to the Lord making me into more of a sensitive person. Just go with it (:

[lonegreywolf20]

I have always been the type that would have tears running down my face because of a movie or TV show. It's nothing unusual to me.

I don't think it makes you any less of a man.

[Ben]

I know that as I've gotten older that my heart is alot softer than it use to be. I attribute it to the Lord making me into more of a sensitive person. Just go with it (:

Amen to that.  It seems ever since I turned 55 my heart is a lot softer.  I'm more sensitive to the hurts and pains of others.  I even cry when watching "chick flicks" with my wife sometimes!!!  I've even been know to cry watching the morning news when something is particularly painful to hear or see.

Contrary to what a lot of churches teach, I believe God "gives us more of the Holy Spirit" as we age and become less "male" and are more sensitive to others and more in touch with our "female" side.

Ben

[avenger]

I appreciate the feedback.   

Let me say though...I've never considered tears a sign a guy was "less of a man".  It's just not me...that's all.  Or it wasn't. 

[Seriousseeker]

Age may be a factor, but it would be a very good idea to talk with your physician the next time you see him.

A mid-life crisis, as it is called, often becomes apparent in the 50's and early 60's, but when you get up here with some of us oldies it changes to old age crises.

I see it as a sub-conscious realization in the soul that ones productive years are fading (which we all firmly deny), and the thoughts about the failures in many things affecting our family, friends, goals in life, etc.   It is usually nothing specific.  We all wish we could have done things better or differently.

Just adjust to a changed lifestyle, be sweet to your family, at peace with God in Christ Jesus, and sail into the years ahead with hope.

- Seriousseeker

[JohnDB]

Actually it usually is a combination of things. One is age. & the other is having more emotionally charged (any kind) events in your recent past.

[Flying To]

Maybe you just need some sleep/rest....

[wirelancaster]

I am a bit of a young guy here, but I would like to re-suggest the visit to the physician.  There's no shame in it.  A sudden and noticable change in emotional behavior doesn't suggest the need for years of phsyco-therapy.  It could simply be a change in physical chemistry, treatable.  Other situations that would call for the same advice are sudden depression, and similar.  There's a reason that the pharmacy industry is here, and a quick doctor visit might relieve what sounds like an unexpected change.

[davvy]

I would defintely have your doctor run some blood work.  The most likey suspects are low thyroid hormone or low testosterone.

In my case he checked for both and it was my thyroid.  Get the clear on the medical first before you analyze your life, especially if

this just popped up out of the blue 

[ex cathedra]

could be the beer.

scientists revealed that beer contains small traces of female hormones.

To prove their theory, the scientists fed 100 men 12 pints of beer and observed that 100% of them gained weight, talked excessively without making sense, became emotional, and couldn't drive.

[rgrove0172]

I experienced something similar but a bit odd recently as well.

Im 46 and started an unusually demanding exercise regime about a year ago. I wont go into detail but I push REALLY REALLY hard for a couple hours a day, 6 days a week.

During these workouts Ive found myself overcome with emotion, physically crying and even sobbing while huffing and puffing.

I cant even put a finger on whats bothering me at the time but is pretty intense.

My Doc told me it was adrenaline and exhaustion, breaking down some psychological barriers. 

We are wierd creations afterall, infinitely complex - something is going on there for sure.

[Carwhisperer]

I'm a crier too. Especially since I decided to seek reconciliation after initiating separation and divorce with my sweet wife. But even before that I was the one who cried during sad movies. My wife got mad when things made her cry. She wouldn't even watch animal movies. In fact, although I accept 75% of the blame for our problems I think her inability to cry was also a big factor. I'm 47. I can't say when it happened. I'll tell you this, though, if we don't reconcile I won't go advertising my crying to other females. I don't think it is particularly manly. I think I'm pretty tough. I build hot rods for a hobby and don't shy away from confrontation, etc. But I cried like a baby when I took my daughter to Toy Story 3.