Crying when throwing away items with a face on them, such as a cartoon flamingo, could be related to a phenomenon called anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is when we attribute human-like qualities, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, like animals or inanimate objects.
In the case of items with faces, our brains can sometimes unconsciously associate these objects with living beings due to their facial features. When you throw such items away, it might trigger an emotional response because part of your brain perceives it as discarding or abandoning something that resembles a living being.
Additionally, these objects might hold sentimental value or memories for you, and letting go of them can evoke a sense of loss or nostalgia, leading to tears as an emotional release.
Humans can develop emotional connections to objects, especially those with anthropomorphic qualities. It's a normal and natural part of being human to feel emotionally attached to things that hold significance or evoke certain feelings. Crying can be a way to process and express those emotions, signaling a deeper connection to the object than it might seem on the surface.
If you find that these feelings are causing significant distress or interfering with your daily life, it might be helpful to explore these emotions further with a mental health professional. They can help you understand the underlying reasons for these emotional responses and provide support in processing and managing them in a healthy way.