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The Conversation
Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

Why do we cry happy tears? The science behind this emotional paradox

Brain
maxbelchenko/Shutterstock.com

Tears are usually seen as a sign of sadness or pain, but it’s not uncommon for people to cry during life’s most joyful moments: weddings, births, reunions, sporting triumphs, or even just an unexpected act of kindness.

These “happy tears” seem contradictory, but they offer a fascinating window into how the human brain handles intense emotion.

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