Weepy men

Roxy pointed out last week that men just can't seem to stand seeing women cry. But can we bear to see men cry?

Traditionally, men always have been perceived as the stronger sex. They were raised to be tough, show no emotion and never, under any circumstance, cry. Crying was a sign of weakness. Crying was, for lack of a better word, girly.

I sense a new generation of men are upon us, though. Back in college, my friend and I were talking about how our then-boyfriends sure liked sharing their emotions. They often got teary and passionate when talking about their — gasp! — feelings. It was almost to a point where it made us, the "emotional females," uncomfortable to be around them.

Although we women have bemoaned for ages that men don't talk about their feelings with us, I'm not sure we're ready to handle it. Can we stand to see our man cry over a bad day, disappointment or loss? Men have come to accept this from women, but I don't think we've been able to accept this from men. We want someone who will stay strong for us -- someone who is our rock to lean on, and, for the most part, a whimpering man just won't cut it.

For me, seeing as how I'm often prone to tears myself, I can't help but allow some teary eyes on my own man's side. Emotions shouldn't be bottled up, but they don't need to flow like waterfalls either.

Ladies, what do you think about men who cry? Would you date a man who cried, or would you trade him in for someone who never shed a tear? Men, do you ever feel crying is necessary. Do you think women are intolerant of men crying?