I just had my first little cry of the year in the ladies' room. No, don't feel sorry for me, I really needed it.
The day started with me forgetting my laptop cord and having to run home after the lab meeting to get it. The meeting itself was okay, with a 20-something year old PhD student producing a hanky (I didn't think people under 40 used them), and the supervisor giving us an impromptu impression of the Scarlett Pimpernel. The supervisor also pointed out that the importance of age just isn't coming through in my lit review - I spent all weekend and Monday working on fixing this up, but obviously to no avail.
And that awful person made some awful comments, which usually just makes me laugh, but today is not a good day. I can't deal with bullying when I'm already stressed out.
Thus, I have compiled a guide on crying in an inconspicuous manner in public/around people. It is as follows:
1. Don't sob or scrunch up your face. It will cause said face to go red and puffy, which will in turn alert those around you to your predicament (if the noise hasn't already).
2. Just let the tears flow, don't keep wiping your eyes - just dab lightly when you've run out of liquids to leak. Again, this avoids redness and wasting time waiting for it to settle down.
3. Cold water will do wonders both for your feelings and your face.
4. When you are ready to emerge from the ladies' room, pretend to be blowing your nose, and if anyone asks, it's hay-fever - this will account for both red, runny eyes, a red nose, and general grumpiness/sad-looking face.
5. Following the incident, smile and laugh as much as possible, to avoid suspicion. Practise smiling in the ladies' room beforehand to get your face used to the motions.
Hope it helps! And know that at least I will always love you.
Peace and love,
S.
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