Why do people cry tears of joy and pinch babies’ cheeks? According to science, it may help you calm down.
November 20, 2014
The Washington Post:
Ever see a puppy so cute that you have no idea what to do with yourself? Like, what sort of response am I supposed to have when seeing something like this?
Do you want to pinch its cheeks? That’s kind of a curious reaction, if you really stop to think about it. I mean, it’s a positive emotion that you’re feeling; but that response, on its surface, is objectively negative and aggressive.
Same with tears of joy (which many musicians have documented in song), or whatever it is that happens while watching videos of soldiers reuniting with their families: It’s a happy, ecstatic moment, and yet we (specifically, me) are reduced to a puddle of tears.
Read the whole story: The Washington Post
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