5 Break Up Myths That Aren’t Actually True

When it comes to relationship breakdowns, there are certain stigmas attached to both sexes. Women- that they will turn into blithering messes who who will cry themselves to sleep over a tub of ice cream for the best part of a year. Men- that they have no emotion at all about the whole thing and will proceed to engage in mindless sex with anyone who will give it. Of course, there are examples of both of these types of people, but they occur equally in both men and women. Here we debunk 5 break up myths that have been plaguing men for years.

ALL MEN REBOUND QUICKLY, We’ve all had it where we have broken up with a partner and the first thing our friends say – and we think – is “you have to get under someone else to get over her”. This theory might work for some, but it is generally thought (by women) that this mantra is applied by all men following a break up. It’s simply not true – all men react differently so your lack of ‘action’ following a break up shouldn’t be met with embarrassment.

YOU SHOULD STAY FRIENDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, As if 21st century dating wasn’t hard enough, when you add in the minefield of social media, it makes a break up even more hard to deal with. The myth is that you will look like you’re bitter or still hung up on her if you erase her from your social networks. The truth is she probably won’t even notice for a while and it will save you the annoyance of seeing her in pictures with your cousin’s friend’s neighbour (who, knowing your luck, you will also be friends with on Facebook).

YOU WILL ALWAYS GET CLOSURE, If a break up is sudden, painful or one-sided, the general idea is that you should get some closure, some defining words that will finally put your relationship to bed (so to speak) enabling you to move on feeling satisfied. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. Don’t be the guy who keeps drunk texting without a response. It’s over – deal with it.

MEN ARE NOT AS AFFECTED AS WOMEN BY A BREAK UP, A US study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University suggests that women actually adjust better to the end of a relationship because they’ve already thought about the possibilities. Men, on the other hand, are generally more caught off guard and therefore find it more difficult to deal with. Whether this research holds up on a bigger scale is questionable, but the fact remains that the idea that men can up ship and move on without the slightest flicker of emotion is completely fictitious. Don’t be embarrassed to mourn the relationship if you need to.

YOU MUST SHOW YOUR EX THAT YOU ARE OVER HER, This myth applies to both sexes – the idea is that in order to save face and prove that you have moved on, you must parade around in front of her at a party with another girl and a big cheshire cat grin on your face. The fact is, she is probably doing the exact same thing so, if you’re not over it, your display will make you feel even worse. Avoiding seeing her is best for all.

By Victoria Gardiner