You're listening to TED Talks Daily.

I'm your host, Elise Hugh.

Today's talk is about tears.

Kathy Mendez is a childbirth educator,

and her talk from TED at PMI in 2020 teaches us something about crying,

why it is we burst into tears and why she says, don't keep them inside,

let them out. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we create 15 to 30 gallons

of tears a year. I am what you would call a high volume producer. Now, even though we do create less tears as we age,

I figure by the time I'm 80, I will have filled up 40 average-sized bathtubs.

Now, crying in my early years, not something I would brag about.

When I was five, I thought it was a good idea to practice writing my name on the side of the house.

Outside the house. Mama didn't agree with me much. She handed me a toothbrush and said,

Here, scrub. So I did. I'd sit at the dining room table for what seemed like an eternity. I didn't want to eat my vegetables. You probably know the feeling. I'd miss all my favorite shows and cry like crazy.

Crying was always associated with something bad. Fortunately, I grew up. I stopped riding

on the walls, started eating my vegetables, and I entered the wonderful world of motherhood.

And let me tell you, crying takes on a whole new meaning. I was nine months pregnant,

and I was sitting on the couch, looking at the front door where my bags were packed waiting for me

because I was hopeful that today would be the day. I settle in a little bit more, and I think to myself,

you know, we can't put humans into space, but we can't seem to figure I want a baby will be born.

And then I feel this pressure build up in my chest.

My throat get really tight,

and I just burst into tears.

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