Even hard-crusted New Yorkers have their moments, when they need to just let it all out with a whimper and a sniffle and a big ole gush of tears. Crying’s a release; it’s cathartic. A good cry can even feel … good. Now, when you are in need of a quick tear release, so you can get on with your day, you can find the perfect sobbing hole at the NYC Crying Guide Tumblr, which lists the best — and worst — places to hold a sob fest in the metropolis.
Created by 28-year-old Kerry O’Brien, as a joke shared with her friends after she had been dumped and got stuck in a heartbroken, could-cry-at-any-moment state for a while.
The 20-something told New York Magazine that, at the time, she would select her lunch break spot solely based on its crying convenience — in other words, would she be able to sob to her heart’s content without being noticed or disturbed?
The entries are quite useful, not to mention entertaining, to read. It turns out that even though New York City is one of the best locations in the U.S. for remaining unbothered and anonymous — the city where public is still private — some places still offer better crying cover than others.
O’Brien is now taking submissions and cry-spot reviews on her Tumblr, and she reportedly receives some 50 per day.
Among the site’s most recent top crying spots in NYC: H&M dressing rooms.
According to the reviewer, “The lines are usually very long for the dressing rooms here, which allows you to anticipate your impending cry — adding to its intensity and reward. Plus, once you get a room, you are surrounded by mirrors which provide you with a wonderful, dramatic look at yourself weeping from multiple angles!…Recommended if you have some time to spare and are in the market for a $4.99 pair of pants!”
Other waterspout spots that got high marks: the Metronome in Union Square, which is great for those — the reviewer writes — who are “looking for a really epic cry and don’t mind a few questioning or pitying looks,” because, “there really is NOTHING like watching the minutes of your life go by as you cry in the middle of Union Square.”
And, the Subway-slash-Dunkin’-Donuts-slash-Baskin Robbins at 302 Fifth Avenue also got a mention. “Everyone who comes in here is too overwhelmed by all the options offered to EVER notice you’re crying at a table all alone! I cried here last night while enjoying a dunkaccino with a veggie footlong sub and some mint chocolate chip ice cream. It was a really beautiful experience to say the least, one I will remember for a very long time. Highly recommended!”
As far as scientists know currently, while other animals may cry out in pain, humans are the only species to shed tears and cry for emotional reasons, reports NPR. And women cry about 64 times a year, whereas men cry just 17 times a year. Actors and politicians do it on demand, according to Alex Gendler in a TED-Ed Lesson.
Well, if nothing else, this Tumblr is an instant reminder when you’re feeling the urge to cry your heart out that you’re far from the only crier in this town. Tear up, Babies, and join the club! And if you happen to come across someone having a cry-fest, just stay cool, will ya?
Julie D. Andrews is a writer and editor in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @julieDandrews.