In the Asian culture, especially for boys, they are always prohibited from crying, at least publicly. The usual sayings are like "Oh, real boys don't cry", or "man up". Over time, these boys tend to think that showing emotions is a sign of weakness, and suppress/deny their feelings.  While it's good to stay objective and not let emotions jeopardize the results, self reflection and well being dictates that we should always at least be aware of the emotions (not being in denial of it), acknowledge it, and work on it. A life of quiet desperation is indeed a sad life.