It turns out that the strong, quiet type could be the one that suffers the most during breakups. According to recent studies, men frequently endure the emotional anguish of a breakup for years or even decades longer than women do.
Men tend to keep their emotions to themselves, whereas women are more prone to express them verbally or to rely on their support networks. According to experts, it’s about expressing less rather than feeling less. Men are frequently taught by society to “man up” and move on, but just because something is hidden doesn’t mean that the emotional toll goes away.
A Binghamton University study discovered that although women may initially experience more intense pain, they also heal more quickly. Men, meanwhile, frequently never fully cope with the separation. Instead, they continue to bear the burden in silence while they absorb the grief. Men were equally, if not more, likely than women to experience regret, loneliness, and heartbreak, according to another extensive study from Lancaster University. This was especially true in anonymous online forums.
Isolation, emotional exhaustion, and even mental health issues can result from this silent suffering. Many guys are still mired in the past because they lack avenues for expressive their emotions or have honest discussions.
However, the good news? It helps to talk. Opening out is the first step to moving on, whether that be through friends, therapy, or even internet forums.
The next time someone claims that “he’s fine” following a breakup, keep in mind that he might not be. He may not yet know how to say it.
