simsfreq just a thought maybe it is because we don't like to see people crying so it is for our benefit we say don't cry, not the person who is weeping copious buckets!!! In an attemp to cheer people maybe. Tears are associated with sadness and we don't like our nearest and dearest to be sad and we may feel inadequate as comforters so it is natural to try to stop the tears. I will try not to say it in the future!!.