Humans of New York is one of my favorite blogs. Whether you follow along on Facebook or on Instagram, or through the actual blog page, you’re set to be moved.
Recently I came across one of HONY’s posts that talked about something we have (surprisingly) not talked about much here — feeling like you want to cry, even when those around you aren’t.
I didn’t screenshot the post with the attached picture, even though it’s a wonderful shot, because what this person said could have been said by anyone who is reading this.
After someone dies most people learn to wear a brave face. You have to wear it because even though your world’s been shaken up, the rest of the world keeps going. You have to go to school. You have to look after your younger siblings. You have responsibilities.
But, at some point, the brave face has to come off. For Ruby in Joel Crouse’s “Ruby Puts Her Red Dress On,” the brave face comes off when she puts on her red dress, alone in her room. For me it’s when it’s just me, my pen and notebook. Zero judgement.
The person Brandon Stanton (the human behind Humans of New York) interviewed, never had the chance to see his dad cry for someone he loved and it made his children feel alone.
When you’re worried if crying will make those around you even more sad about the person you all lost, remember that they may be thinking the same exact thing. From experience, we know that it’s hard to share in your sadness or to cry with someone else. But, in those moments try your best and remember that by letting others in on the sadness you may actually be helping them feel less alone.
Image: Humans of New York
