Gentlemen, it might be time to face some tough truth—break-ups might actually hit you harder than they hit the ladies. While it’s often stereotyped that women are the emotional ones, a new study has turned that idea on its head, revealing that break-ups tend to leave men feeling more devastated than women.
It’s no secret that relationships are emotionally intense, but the study suggests men, particularly straight men, are more likely to lean on their romantic partners for the bulk of their emotional support. While women, on the other hand, tend to have a strong friend group to fill that gap. This means that when relationships end, men can find themselves emotionally adrift, while women might have a safety net of friends to help them cope.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that men tend to view relationships as a crucial aspect of their overall well-being. And they’re not wrong. Relationships have been shown to provide men with more mental and physical benefits than women. In fact, men in relationships report better mental health and higher life satisfaction. So when a break-up occurs, the mental and emotional toll can be even more intense for guys.
Men also experience a heightened sense of sadness and loneliness following a breakup, which can be compounded by the fact that they are less likely to be the ones initiating the split. Studies have shown that 70% of divorces are initiated by women, which means men are more often left picking up the pieces after a relationship ends.
So, as we approach Valentine’s Day, men, don’t kid yourselves—dealing with the aftermath of a breakup might be tougher than finding a decent gift. But remember, the emotional support you need is out there, whether it’s friends, family, or even professional help.
