Men May Get Hurt More Than Women During a Breakup, and Here’s Why

Breakups are never easy. They bring a whirlwind of emotions, self-reflection, and sometimes, heart-wrenching pain. While it’s commonly believed that women are more emotional during a breakup, recent studies suggest that men may actually experience more emotional distress than women.

Why is that? The answer lies in a mix of psychological, societal, and emotional factors that shape how men handle breakups. Let’s dive into the reasons why breakups tend to hit men harder and what they can do to recover.

Men and Emotional Vulnerability: A Silent Struggle

From a young age, men are often conditioned to suppress their emotions. Society teaches them that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. While women are encouraged to express their feelings and seek support, men are more likely to bottle up their emotions.

This emotional suppression can be damaging. When a breakup happens, men might not have a strong support system in place to help them process the pain. Many men rely on their romantic partners as their primary emotional support, so when that relationship ends, they often feel lost and alone.

Without an outlet to talk about their feelings, men may struggle with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and even depression—sometimes much more intensely than women.

Societal Expectations: The Pressure to “Man Up”

One of the biggest reasons men struggle with breakups is the pressure to “man up” and move on quickly. Society often expects men to show emotional resilience, discouraging them from expressing grief or sadness.

Women, on the other hand, are more likely to seek comfort from friends, discuss their emotions, and actively work through their pain. Men, however, are often expected to act as if nothing has happened.

This need to maintain a tough exterior can prolong the healing process. Instead of working through their emotions, men might turn to distractions like excessive work, alcohol, or rebound relationships—only to find that the pain resurfaces later.

Why Romantic Relationships Matter More to Men

Men and women often approach relationships differently. While women tend to build multiple sources of emotional support through friendships and family, men frequently rely on their romantic partners as their main source of emotional intimacy.

When that relationship ends, it’s not just the loss of a girlfriend or wife—it’s the loss of a best friend, a confidant, and sometimes, their only emotional support system.

This can make the breakup feel like a double hit, leaving men struggling not only with heartbreak but also with a deep sense of emotional isolation.

Delayed Grief: Why Men Take Longer to Heal

Men and women grieve breakups differently. Women tend to feel the emotional pain more intensely at first, but they also process it faster by talking about it and seeking closure.

Men, however, often delay confronting their emotions. Instead of immediately processing the pain, they may distract themselves with work, hobbies, or casual relationships. But unresolved feelings don’t just disappear—they resurface later, sometimes in the form of depression, anxiety, or a lingering sense of emptiness.

This delayed emotional response can make breakups more painful for men in the long run, prolonging the healing process.

The Role of Attachment Styles in Breakup Pain

Attachment styles—the way people form emotional bonds—also play a role in how men experience breakups. Studies suggest that men are more likely to have an avoidant attachment style, meaning they struggle with emotional closeness but still feel deeply affected when a relationship ends.

This paradox can make breakups especially painful for men. On one hand, they may try to act indifferent and suppress their feelings. On the other hand, they might secretly feel heartbroken and unable to move on.

Women, by contrast, are more likely to have secure or anxious attachment styles, making them more willing to process and express their emotions.

Men Tend to Romanticize Past Relationships

Another reason men may suffer more after a breakup is that they often romanticize their past relationships. Instead of focusing on why the relationship ended, they tend to idealize the good times and overlook the problems.

Women, on the other hand, are more likely to process a breakup by analyzing what went wrong. This approach helps them gain clarity and move forward.

For men, however, this nostalgia can trap them in a cycle of regret and longing, making it even harder to let go and heal.

The Physical Impact of Breakups on Men

Breakups don’t just affect emotional health—they take a toll on physical health as well. Research suggests that men are more likely than women to experience:

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
  • Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain)
  • Weakened immune system (higher stress levels, increased risk of illness)
  • Risky behaviors (drinking, smoking, reckless behavior)

Since men are less likely to seek emotional support, the stress of a breakup can manifest physically, leading to long-term health problems.

Why Women Heal Faster

Women tend to have healthier coping mechanisms when dealing with a breakup. They are more likely to:

  • Talk about their emotions with friends and family
  • Seek professional help like therapy or counseling
  • Engage in self-care routines, like exercise or journaling
  • Reflect on the relationship to understand what went wrong

These strategies allow women to process their emotions faster, helping them heal and move on more effectively than men.

Men, on the other hand, often suppress their pain and avoid dealing with it head-on, which ultimately prolongs their suffering.

How Men Can Heal After a Breakup

If breakups tend to hit men harder, what can they do to heal faster and move forward?

  • Acknowledge Your Feelings – It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Accept your emotions instead of suppressing them.
  • Talk to Someone – Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or therapist, opening up can help release pent-up emotions.
  • Prioritize Self-Care – Exercise, eat well, and maintain a healthy routine to keep both your mind and body in check.
  • Stay Busy, But Don’t Avoid Healing – Engaging in new hobbies or activities is great, but don’t use them as an escape from your emotions.
  • Reflect and Grow – Instead of dwelling on what’s lost, focus on what you’ve learned and how you can grow from the experience.

Healing takes time, but taking proactive steps can make the journey smoother and more empowering.

Conclusion: The Emotional Reality of Breakups for Men

While breakups are painful for everyone, men often struggle more due to emotional suppression, societal expectations, and a lack of support systems. Their tendency to avoid emotions, romanticize past relationships, and delay grief can make the healing process more challenging.

However, understanding these factors can pave the way for healthier coping strategies. By embracing vulnerability, seeking support, and focusing on self-care, men can heal and emerge stronger from a breakup.

At the end of the day, heartbreak is a painful but transformative experience. It’s not just about losing someone—it’s about rediscovering yourself, learning from the past, and preparing for healthier, more fulfilling relationships in the future.

Old Man Helps Single Mom Fix Baby Stroller, Next Day Sees Private Jet Landing For Him

An elderly man steps in to help a struggling single mom when a wheel falls off her baby’s stroller. Days later, he finds himself aboard a private jet, en route to a tropical paradise.

At seventy-two, Joseph Benjamin had settled into a quiet, predictable routine. Widowed and with his two grown children living far away, Joe’s days were simple. He would wake with the sunrise, ride his bike to the bakery for fresh rolls, and spend his afternoons tinkering in his workshop. Life had become a calm, steady rhythm — until the day he met April and her baby, Emma.

That morning, Joe was cycling to the bakery when he spotted a young woman in a grey tracksuit, struggling with an old-fashioned stroller. One of the wheels had come loose, and she was desperately trying to fix it while her baby cried inside the uneven stroller.

“Excuse me,” Joe offered gently. “Do you need a hand?”

The woman looked up, tears filling her eyes. “Yes,” she said, her voice breaking. “I think I do.”

Seeing her distress, Joe awkwardly patted her shoulder. “It’s alright,” he reassured her. “We’ll have this stroller fixed in no time.”

The woman, wiping her tears, explained through sobs, “I should never have brought this old stroller out… it was mine when I was a baby. I guess I got nostalgic.”

Joe smiled warmly. “I understand that feeling. I saved all my children’s old toys, and my grandkids love them. Let’s see what we can do.”

He took out his tool kit from his bike and quickly diagnosed the problem — a loose lug nut. “It’s not broken, just needs tightening,” he said. “But you might want to take the baby out first. The wheel could give a bit of a jolt.”

As April picked up her baby, Joe worked on the stroller. A moment later, the wheel clicked back into place. “There you go,” Joe announced, “good as new!”

April smiled brightly, holding her baby close. “Thank you! You’ve saved my day. It’s my first one back in Cheyenne, and it was turning into a disaster.”

“Where were you before?” Joe asked.

“I was in California for college,” she replied.

“You’re lucky,” Joe said with a sigh. “I’ve never been to California or even seen the ocean.”

April’s face softened. “It’s beautiful there, but I wanted my daughter to grow up here, in my hometown.”

As they continued to chat, Joe shared his own story of rarely seeing his children and grandchildren. April, who introduced her baby as Emma, told him how much she missed her parents, who had passed away a year ago. Their conversation was easy, comforting.

“Why don’t you and Emma join an old man for coffee?” Joe suggested, pointing to his favorite café across the street. April gladly accepted, and they spent the rest of the morning together.

As they were leaving, April said, “Emma and I are going on a little trip tomorrow. How about you come with us?”

Surprised but delighted, Joe agreed. The next morning, a sleek black car with a chauffeur arrived at Joe’s home to pick him up. “Where are we going?” Joe asked, still in disbelief.

April, with a playful grin, replied, “It’s a surprise!” The car drove them straight onto the tarmac at a local airport, where a luxurious private jet awaited.

“Wait… what’s going on?” Joe asked, wide-eyed.

“We’re going to the beach,” April said, smiling. “You’re finally going to see the ocean!”

Joe could hardly believe it. He had never flown in his life, let alone traveled in a private jet. As they took off, Joe was overwhelmed with joy. “I can’t believe this! I’m actually flying — and I’ll see the ocean!”

April explained that she had inherited a private jet charter company from her parents, and she always had a plane ready for trips. From that day on, Joe became a regular guest on April and Emma’s vacations, becoming a surrogate grandfather to the little girl.

This story reminds us that life can bring unexpected joys. Joe thought he had seen everything life had to offer, but one small act of kindness opened the door to incredible new experiences. His simple gesture not only helped a young mom in need but also led to fulfilling his lifelong dream — proving that kindness truly has the power to change lives.

Share this story with others — it might brighten their day and inspire them to help someone in need.

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