In popular culture—spanning Hollywood, Bollywood, and our beloved romantic novels—there is a prevalent belief that men are inherently more romantic than women. On occasions like Valentine’s Day, men are often depicted as the ones making grand gestures, proposing, or declaring their love. But does this perception hold true?
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Experts suggest that the definition of romanticism and the societal norms surrounding relationships may play a crucial role in shaping romantic behaviors. A notable 1989 study, which introduced the romantic beliefs scale, reveals that men typically express stronger agreement with romantic notions, such as love at first sight, compared to women.
Are Men More Romantic than Women?
Justin Garcia, the executive director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, shared with The Washington Post, “Despite the growing gender equality in dating, traditional gender norms remain. As a result, it seems like men often perform more romantic deeds because societal expectations encourage that behavior.” He added, “Men are perhaps more romantic than commonly acknowledged.”
Further research from Cambridge University indicates that romantic relationships tend to hold greater significance for men compared to women, with men experiencing a more profound sense of loss from breakups. They often make a concerted effort to build romantic relationships, look to their partners more for emotional support, and typically refrain from seeking emotional connections outside of these relationships. Additionally, another study by the American Psychological Association found that men are often the first to declare ‘I love you’ in a relationship.
The Significance of Romantic Relationships for Men
A 2021 survey revealed that men are less inclined to seek emotional support from friends or discuss their personal feelings.
Gwendolyn Seidman, a visiting scholar at the Michigan State University Department of Psychology, explained to The Washington Post that although research shows men hold more romantic ideals than women, society often perceives women as the more romantic gender. She notes that women typically view their connections with partners as paramount, seek emotional closeness, and put more effort into the maintenance of relationships. “However, this doesn’t necessarily equate to being romantic,” she clarified.
Seidman distinguished that in relationship research, romanticism refers to overarching beliefs about love rather than the actions taken within a romantic partnership. The belief in concepts like love at first sight or the idea of having one true love doesn’t correlate to the day-to-day effort dedicated to nurturing a relationship.
Ultimately, according to Paul Eastwick, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, both men and women desire similar outcomes from their relationships.
Conclusion
While research indicates that men are generally more inclined to adopt certain romantic beliefs, such as the idea of love at first sight, romanticism is influenced by various factors including cultural, societal, generational, and individual dynamics within relationships.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.
