Why men often experience more pain after breakups according to AI app ChatGPT

When a romantic relationship comes to an end, both men and women face emotional challenges and heartbreak. However, there is a prevailing notion that men often struggle silently and hide their emotional pain after breakups.

Societal expectations & emotional suppression

One of the key factors contributing to men's heightened pain after breakups is societal expectations of masculinity.

Men are often conditioned to exhibit emotional resilience and strength, which can lead to the suppression of their emotions.

When faced with the loss of a relationship, this emotional suppression can result in a delayed and intensified experience of grief and heartbreak.

Couple arguing Pulse Live Kenya

Attachment & emotional investment

Men, just like women, form deep emotional attachments and invest themselves in their relationships.

However, due to societal norms that discourage vulnerability, men may struggle to express their feelings openly, making the emotional investment more internalized.

Consequently, when a breakup occurs, the accumulated emotional investment can intensify the pain experienced by men.

Couple arguing Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Why do breakups hit guys differently? Here are 5 reasons

Loss of identity & support

Breakups can shake the foundations of one's identity and support system.

Men often invest a significant part of their identity in their relationships, relying on their partner for emotional support and companionship.

When a breakup happens, the loss of this support system can leave men feeling adrift, leading to heightened feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional distress.

Perceived failure & stigma

Breakups may trigger feelings of failure and a sense of personal inadequacy in men.

Societal expectations often place a high value on the ability to maintain a successful relationship, and the end of a romantic partnership may be seen as a personal failure.