DEAR ABBY: I am fortunate. I come from a close and loving family. Even though we have come through some difficult times recently, it has drawn us closer, strengthened our love and fueled our resolve to support each other no matter what.
So why am I writing? I am so full of love and emotion that it's not unusual for me to cry frequently. When we say goodbye after a visit, I cry more than anyone else. My daughter says it's a real downer -- and others feel awkward. So how does one turn off the flow of tears? -- TEARY-EYED IN ALABAMA
DEAR TEARY-EYED: As long as a person understands the reason why she (or he) is crying -- and it isn't because of displaced emotions -- tears are nothing to be embarrassed about, and I see no reason to stifle them. However, it's one thing to shed a few tears and another to come completely unglued. Because your display of emotion makes "others feel awkward," and if this is new behavior, it may be time to consult your physician to determine what's triggering the waterworks.