Breakups hit hard, no matter how tough you seem on the outside. While the world often talks about how women cope, men’s journeys are less discussed, leaving many to bottle up emotions. But here’s the truth: men feel deeply, too, and moving on isn’t about “manning up.” It’s about finding your own pace and healing in ways that work for you.
We asked men to share what genuinely helped them heal and move forward after a breakup—no clichés, just real experiences. Here’s what they said:
1. Letting Themselves Feel the Pain
Surprising, right? But several men shared how they stopped suppressing their emotions and allowed themselves to sit with the sadness. Crying, journaling, or even having one brutally honest night with close friends helped them release pent-up feelings.
What They Said:
- “I didn’t avoid the pain; I faced it head-on. For once, I told myself it was okay to feel everything—anger, regret, even nostalgia. That’s what helped me in moving on faster.” – Aarav, 27, Mumbai
- “I wrote letters I never sent. It felt like closure without needing her response.” – Siddharth, 30, Bangalore.
2. Focusing Beyond Moving On: Fitness and Health
It wasn’t just about getting a “revenge body” but channeling emotions into something productive. Hitting the gym, running, or even trying out martial arts became a form of therapy. Physical activity gave structure to their day and released feel-good endorphins that balanced their emotions.
What They Said:
- “I didn’t work out to ‘show her what she lost.’ I did it for me. Every push-up felt like I was pushing away the negativity.” – Rahul, 25, Delhi
- “I joined a kickboxing class at the Cult gym. It gave me an outlet to channel my anger and feel strong again.” – Vikram, 29, Pune
3. Rebuilding Friendships
Breakups often leave a void, and many men admitted they filled that space by reconnecting with old friends or strengthening current ones. Spending time with people who cared about them reminded them of their worth and helped them laugh again while moving on.
What They Said:
- “I realized I’d neglected my friends during the relationship. Getting back to those bonds not only helped me heal but reminded me that I wasn’t alone.” – Kabir, 28, Kolkata
- “A road trip with my college gang to Rishikesh gave me a fresh perspective and a lot of laughter.” – Arjun, 32, Gurgaon
4. Setting Small, Personal Goals
Big life changes can feel overwhelming, so men often turned to smaller, achievable goals that boosted their confidence. Whether it was learning to cook, completing a side project, or picking up a new hobby, these little wins added up.
What They Said:
- “I set a goal to run 5K in under 30 minutes. It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone else—just showing myself I could still grow and succeed.” – Prateek, 26, Ahmedabad
- “I joined a painting class at Studio Alternates in Bandra. It was therapeutic and gave me something to look forward to while I was moving on.” – Nikhil, 29, Mumbai
5. Seeking Therapy or Self-Reflection: Inner Journey of Moving On
This one surprised even them. For some, talking to a therapist felt like a last resort, but it turned out to be the most liberating step. For others, diving into self-help books or meditation gave clarity. Understanding their own patterns and emotional triggers made the healing process faster and more meaningful.
What They Said:
- “Therapy wasn’t about talking about her. It was about understanding me. I found strength I didn’t know I had.” – Abhinav, 31, Chennai
- “I discovered Vipassana meditation through a retreat in Dharamshala. It was life-changing.” – Jay, 34, Jaipur
Moving On Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Moving on isn’t about ignoring the pain or replacing it with distractions. It’s about giving yourself the grace to heal and grow. Men process breakups differently, and that’s okay. What matters is finding what works for you—whether it’s sweating it out at the gym, opening up to a friend, or taking a quiet moment to reflect.
The road to healing might feel lonely at times, but remember: you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Growth and resilience are always within reach.
