No one looks cute during an obligatory series finale cry session—especially when there’s mascara involved. (OK, unless you’re Beyoncè.) But as this video explains, we’re pretty powerless to the ugly cry. As our blood vessels dilate, our faces actually contort to push tears up and out of our eyes.

It’s not all bad news, though. Ugly crying also makes us more likely to receive support (read: hugs) from the people around us. Stay tuned to the end of the video for a hilarious description of how these tears can even affect your partner’s sex drive.