Why Women Fan Their Face When about to Cry
Wondering why women fan their face when about to cry? It looks like they’re having hot flashes, or maybe they’re overheated or attempting to dry their eyes. It’s a goofy looking but common reaction to emotional situations. It’s certainly not a temperature problem. It can be 90 degrees Fahrenheit and you’ll still see women fanning their face in response to sad or happy situations.
Disclaimer: I’m not a psychologist, nor do I play one online, on television, or anywhere else. I’m just a fellow observer of human behavior. I’ve never had the desire to become a member of the ‘fanning my face while crying’ club, but we all have different ways of coping with emotional situations. Hey… if it works, flap away!
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Repeating Observed Behavior
People are creatures of habit and many repeat what they see. Women see other women fanning their face before crying and think it’s what they’re supposed to do. For some it’s nothing more than learned behavior. They feel tears coming on and their hands go up and start flapping like hummingbirds. They seem to think the motion will somehow stop the flow, and for some it seems to work. For others it just fuels their emotional state.
Releasing Anxiety
Another reason why women fan their face when they’re about to cry makes a little more sense. When people are anxious some find physical ways to relieve their nervousness. For example, some pace while others tap their fingers or bite their nails. Flapping is a way to release anxiety, and it can help to prevent a crying jag. The motion can work to redirect oneself and stop tears before they emerge. When I start crying I don’t stop very easily. I’ve never tried flapping my hands and fanning my face, but because I’m aware of how silly it looks I’m not going to start either.
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Speaking of Anxiety… People are Still Going Mad Over This!
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Drama, Drama, Drama…
When wondering why women fan their face when about to cry, think of drama, drama, drama! Some are self-absorbed drama queens who overreact in every situation. We all know at least one person who fits that description! Fanning to beat the band draws greater attention. We’ve all seen how people react to passive-aggressive flappers. Others flock to the person with outstretched arms, loads of tissues, and sympathy.
Breathing Problems Caused by Emotion
Another possible reason why women fan their face when about to cry has nothing to do with tears. Some are so overwhelmed they have problems breathing. They don’t know how to react or deal with the situation, and they begin fanning to try and calm themselves down. It can be a sign of distress and a signal for help.
Why Women Fan Their Face When about to Cry | What Do You Think?
Are you a flapper, or do you think women who flap their hands before crying look especially silly? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comment section. Maybe you know of another reason why women fan their face when they’re about to cry. Thank goodness they don’t have wings. Some would surely take off in flight!
I think that those who do this fan/hand flapping nonsense are simply out to draw attention to themselves. More so, I believe it to be a class thing. Suffice to say, I have only observed the lower classes fanning in such a manner.
I think that your observation is correct, Chela. It seems to be low-class drama queens who behave that way. Thanks for commenting.
Because Oprah or some such taught them this was a thing.
I often see women fanning their faces when emotional and never understood the reason. I’m a woman and never do this, but to each her own. Maybe it releases tension? If I cry, I just get a hanky and have at it. Oh well. Not shaming, just curious. We all are different.
I love you’re very last thought about some people could take flight if they had feathers! Lol too funny! Well I’m a woman, and have never faned my face like this before. But I’ve seen it plenty of times, and always have been confused by it. I always wondered why they do that!! Like you said, it looks rediculous and silly. I keep thinking “why are you doing that?” And I also think it’s a drama queen move, and overreacting like you said. Trying to seek attention, it drives me nuts, and I come running to their silly overreacting.
I missed spelled, I meant to say, I don’t come running to their overreacting