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You're not kidding...after reading that, it's definitely interesting to see that the research doesn't back up the gender norms.

I think that to a degree it's because we are "taught" to not let our emotions out so the pain of a break up is the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. Of course I can only speak from my own experiences.

That's a good point OldSoul and this article doesn't prove any specific rule, but it is interesting to read as a woman. In my own experiences it has been culturally insistent that I need to be with a man because, as a woman, I am only complete while in a relationship. Childless cat ladies are looked down upon with a mixture of pity and vindictive amusement as they are content to be by themselves. It is assumed that something hasn't worked for or is broken inside a woman who stays single, while men are viewed as carefree bachelors.

This study flips the narrative on its head. In my experience I've walked away from relationships where my partner seems beyond apathetic about my presence in their life, only to have them try to keep me from leaving either through love bombing or even more obnoxious tactics like holding on to my stuff or calling my work to try to get me fired, all to prevent me from leaving. Like some big anxiety monster grabbed them by the throat and the mere idea of not having me available to them is akin to dying. Yet while I was with them they lacked the depth to be empathic and refused at all to meet me halfway.

It always baffled me. Like, dude, you act as if you don't even like me and yet when I'm peacefully seeing myself out the door you want to turn it into a fight.

My husband has a good circle of friends and he hangs out with them frequently. They see each other at least once a week and sometimes he mentions the conversations they have and it's awesome to hear how they will go deep, discuss matters of the heart, share stories, and give each other encouragement. He doesn't rely on me to "be his peace" or his emotional processor, and that is a huge departure from relationships of the past.

The thing I like most about this article is how it talks about men needing those friendships and connections. I think it's SO true!

lol Like they found it! Cheater.

Lol they never want to share!