13 Signs He Is Heartbroken Over You

When someone experiences heartbreak, it is usually a challenging moment for them, depending on the circumstances involved.

You may think that men don’t experience emotional pain when a relationship ends, but this isn’t the case. Men do struggle, but they may show it differently when compared to women.

You should know to spot the signs he is heartbroken over you. This article reveals some of these signs to watch out for.

Do men suffer heartbreak?

Men suffer heartbreak, and the pain intensity depends on how attached they are to their partners. However, research suggests that men have a more difficult time facing heartbreak as it affects them in a way that is often overlooked. 

The signs of a broken-hearted man vary. When some of them experience heartbreak, they prefer to become loners until they heal from the pain. Others might decide to engage in other activities that keep them distracted until they are over the heartbreak.

This article, written by Queensland Health, reveals the science behind a broken heart. It explains what men truly feel when heartbreak happens.

What does heartbreak mean to a man?

Often, men are viewed as having a gruff exterior which means they are impervious to anything, including heartbreaks. However, no matter how much a man tries to mask his pain, you can tell when he is heartbroken by his actions.

Some men see heartbreak as an indication that they are not good enough. When their partner dumps them, they blame themselves for not meeting up with their ex’s standards.

Hence, the stage of a breakup for a man is an introspection period where they figure out their shortcomings and how to improve when they have a new partner.

If you have asked questions like “How to heal a broken heart in men?” The answer depends on the reason why the breakup happened.

In this book by Kimberly A. Johnson, you will learn the signs he is heartbroken over you and what the pain of heartbreak means to a man. 

13 signs a man is broken-hearted

Men deal with heartbreaks in different ways. Irrespective of the breakup, he will be trying to get back on his feet and handle the breakup in his own way. Some telltale signs strongly suggest that he is heartbroken. Here are some of them:

1. He may not want to see you

If he avoids seeing you at all costs, even though it is important, it is one of the signs he is heartbroken over you. 

He knows that when he sees you, the memories will come flooding, and it might be too much for him to handle. Also, he will ensure he avoids places where you are likely to show up.

2. He may still plead with you for a second chance

One of the signs of a broken-hearted man is he begs you to come back into his life. From the way he pleads, you will notice how broken and desperate he is. A man who is not heartbroken would see no reason to plead with you to come back.

3. He may try to avoid other women

If you are still keeping tabs on him and you notice that he refuses to date or have flings with anyone, then he is still hurting over you. 

He is waiting for the green light from your end for both of you to pick up where you stopped.

4. He might flirt with many women

A man with a broken heart is sometimes the exact opposite of a heartbroken man who decides to avoid other women. Some men would prefer to flirt around to hide away the heartbreak and pain. He will use his flirtatious lifestyle as a coping strategy to get over the heartbreak.

5. He might post sad things on social media

Our social media activities can give people insights into what is happening in our lives. One of the symptoms of a broken-hearted man is the type of content they post on social media. 

Many men would post depressing content to show they are struggling with heartbreak.

6. He may try to get busy

Being busy is one of the ways heartbroken men heal eventually. If he is not working, he is having fun with friends or creating new projects. 

He will want to remain busy so that he has less time to think about his sad situation.

7. He may start drinking excessively 

One of the obvious signs he is heartbroken over you is when he picks up the drinking habit. Some men prefer to do this because it helps drown away their sorrows. 

However, this feeling does not last long because the memories will flood their head when sober.

8. He may stop socializing

If you hear that your ex has stopped socializing like he used to, it is one of the signs he is heartbroken over you. He will only begin to socialize when he starts to heal from the heartbreak.

9. He may stalk you on social media

Not every man does this, but if you notice that your ex-partner monitors your posts on social media, it is one of the signs a guy is heartbroken. 

He might like your posts, view your content, or engage with it, depending on the peculiarity of the social media platform.

10. He may block you on social media

If he doesn’t stalk you on social media, there is a chance he has blocked you. If you can’t see his social media posts anymore, it is one of the signs someone is heartbroken over you. 

When he sees your posts, it reminds him of the pain attached to the breakup. Some of them cannot cope, so the best thing for them is to avoid you.

11. He may text or call you repeatedly

Some heartbroken guys find it challenging to keep their distance both physically and online. 

When you observe that he keeps calling or texting you frequently, it is one of the sure signs he is heartbroken over you. Such guys probably miss everything about you, and they want to keep hearing from you.

12. He may hit the gym regularly

One of the signs that he is heartbroken over you is when he goes to the gym more than before. At this point, he increases his pace because he wants to release the negative emotions faster than usual. 

Going to the gym can become the primary motivation when a man is heartbroken and is trying to heal from the breakup.

13. He may try to remove all the signs that you were in his life

To help himself heal better, one of the signs he is heartbroken over you is how he erases every sign of you from his life. 

A brokenhearted guy might clean up everything to show that you were never in his life, from phone numbers to text messages, pictures, videos, and the like. He would see less of you by doing this, and he wouldn’t be reminded that you broke his heart.

How should a guy behave after a breakup

Have you ever wondered, “What does heartbreak feel like for a man?” You might be surprised to see your ex-partner behaving in a way that you did not expect.

Here are some ways a guy behaves when they break up.

1. Spend time alone

This is not conventional, but many guys prefer to keep to themselves after a breakup. If something goes wrong, men generally like to sit down and brood over the whole process. 

Usually, they do this to prevent it from happening next time. Also, this is the period where they make critical decisions about their love life moving forward.

2. Hang out with friends

Staying around friends more often is an obvious sign that a guy is trying to heal. 

They use such moments to forget about the heartbreak and reduce the pain they are feeling. Also, hanging out with people who care helps them have a clear head.

3. Find a new hobby

Many guys see a relationship as a project, so when the breakup has happened, the project is complete. Therefore, some will look for a new hobby that will take their attention until they find another partner.

How does a man handle a breakup?

Men do not get happy after a breakup, except if they want it all along. Breakups can impair an individual’s mental health and cause psychological stress. Therefore, no matter how stoic you are, a breakup will have some effect on you.

When it comes to handling breakups, men do it differently. And sometimes, their temperament and character determine how they handle breakups.

Some men will begin to have several one-night stands to keep the breakup memories at bay. 

They will keep sleeping around until they find another worthy partner. Other men might prefer to remain in solitary and try to plan their lives without a partner.

Commonly asked questions

Heartbreak is a deeply emotional experience that affects individuals differently, regardless of gender. However, for men, societal norms often discourage open expressions of vulnerability, making it crucial to understand their unique experiences. 

Let’s delve into the emotional heartbreak signs for men and explore aspects like recovery duration and emotional pain.

• What does heartbreak feel like for a man? 

Heartbreak for a man can be an overwhelming rollercoaster of emotions. It may trigger profound sadness, loneliness, and feelings of rejection. Men might struggle to express their emotions openly due to societal expectations of stoicism. They might also experience anger, frustration, and a sense of loss. 

It can lead to a loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and reduced focus on daily activities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize that every man’s experience of heartbreak is unique and should be approached with empathy and understanding.

Watch this video to learn more about the science of heartbreak:

• Do men fully recover from heartbreak?

Yes, men can eventually recover from heartbreak, though the process is subjective and varies for each individual. Some men might rebound relatively quickly, while others may take longer to heal. 

Recovery involves acknowledging emotions, seeking support from friends or professionals, and engaging in self-care. Time, personal growth, and new experiences often play vital roles in the healing process. It’s essential to remember that healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past but finding ways to move forward and build a stronger emotional foundation.

• How long does heartbreak last for men?

The duration of heartbreak for men varies based on their coping mechanisms and the intensity of the emotional bond broken. While some may start feeling better within a few weeks or months, others might take several months or even years to heal fully. 

It’s essential not to rush the process and allow oneself time to grieve and rebuild emotionally. External factors like a strong support network, self-reflection, and adopting healthy habits can expedite the healing journey.

• Do men feel more emotional pain after a breakup?

Men, like anyone else, experience emotional pain after a breakup, but societal expectations may lead them to suppress their feelings, making them seem less apparent. Men might struggle to communicate their emotions openly, potentially intensifying their internal struggles. 

Cultural norms often discourage vulnerability in men, which may compound emotional pain. Therefore, it’s crucial to create an environment where men feel safe expressing their emotions without judgment, fostering healthier ways of processing and healing from the aftermath of a breakup.

Final thoughts

Heartbreaks are painful, and it is okay for everyone who experiences them to grieve. However, it is important not to wallow in the pain for too long. 

In every heartbreak, find the lessons to help you become a better person when the next partner comes along. If you have ever suspected that your ex-boyfriend has not gotten over you, the signs he is heartbroken over you mentioned in this piece will provide much insight.

Continue exploring this topic

Talk to our Marriage.com AI Relationship Coach

Chat with me, ask questions and get help

Start Chatting

Marriage.com AI: Your Relationship Guide

Talk through what's on your mind.

Automated

Hi, I'm your relationship guide. What's on your mind?

YOU COULD START WITH

What are signs of a man being heartbroken?

How can I tell if he is heartbroken over me?

AI guidance only - not therapy. In crisis? Call a helpline or Find a Therapist

Terms

Sylvia Smith Author

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle... Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now