What does crying exemplify in emotional responses?

Crying is often regarded as an external response to an emotion because it is a visible and observable action that reflects an individual's inner emotional state. When someone cries, it typically signifies a release of feelings such as sadness, joy, relief, or even frustration, allowing others to recognize and understand the emotional turmoil or expression being experienced.

While it may be associated with various emotions, the outward act of crying acts as a form of communication to others about one's emotional distress or joy. This visibility is what categorizes it as an external response, in contrast to internal responses, which are not immediately observable.