Women will cry 4,680 times over their adult lifetime — more than twice as much as men, a study has found.
Sad TV shows or books, tiredness and arguments with their partner mean the average woman will cry six times a month — or 72 times a year.
In comparison, men will shed a tear just three times a month.
But the study, by the makers of eyedrop Hycosan Fresh, found men are less embarrassed about crying in front of others, with four in 10 claiming they wouldn’t be bothered about shedding a tear in public compared to just a third of women.
Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “While women are stereotypically associated with crying, the results of this study actually show that men are now feeling that it’s acceptable to show their emotions and feel crying is acceptable.
“While it is often suggested that women cry without issue, the results actually suggest that women feel embarrassed when they let their emotions show.”
A spokesperson for Hycosan Fresh added, “For many of us, crying is simply a healthy way of expressing our emotions, but for some, there can be a more serious reason for their watery eyes.
“Dry eye disease can affect many of us and leave us shedding tears for all the wrong reasons.”
The study of 2,000 adults found 51 percent of women admit to being a big crier — crying often or at little things.
But far from shying away from it, three in 10 men are also happy to admit they often shed a tear.
A sad TV show, movie or book is most likely to leave women watery-eyed, while men tear up at sad moments or memories.
Other reasons for crying include funerals, grief and anxiety.
But women are more likely to cry happy tears, with 40 percent admitting to shedding a tear for a good reason, something just 24 percent of men do.
And while 64 percent of women admit to crying for no reason, just three in 10 men can say the same.
The study also found an emotional 44 percent of men have cried in public, along with a huge 80 percent of women.
Crying in front of work colleagues would leave many feeling most embarrassed, followed by their boss, strangers and acquaintances.
