How Does a Man Feel When a Woman Walks Away? (2024)

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Co-authored byCher Gopmanand Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: June 20, 2022Fact Checked

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   He may feel confused and anxious. It’s common for someone who just got dumped to wonder what went wrong.^[1] Breakups lead to uncertainty about the future, which can cause anxiety, especially if the two of you made plans for the future.^[2]

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   He might feel sad and rejected. Many people feel a sense of grief for the person and relationship they lost. Your significant other might very well experience intense sadness after you walk away as he grieves for what you had together. Being dumped can also cause him to question his self-worth and lower his self-esteem.^[3]

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   He may miss you. Your boyfriend probably cares a lot about you, so being without you can make him miss you desperately. Things that remind him of you, from seeing the couch you bought together to hearing your favorite song on the radio, can make him miss you even more. He might romanticize your relationship and forget all about the disagreements you had or the issues you faced.^[4]

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   He could be lonely. Losing you might make your man feel like he isn’t valued or desirable anymore. That rejection can bring about a sense of loneliness.^[5] He might reach out and try to get you back when he's feeling lonely.

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   He may feel possessive or jealous. Your boyfriend might think of you as being his, and be incredibly upset if he thinks you’re moving on or seeing someone new. Breakups can also lead to a lack of emotional control. He might call or text non-stop or show up at your house or workplace to tell you how he feels or try to get you back.^[6]

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   He might be feeling guilty. If your man did something that made you walk away, he’s likely feeling guilty about his behavior. Whether he lied, cheated, or otherwise treated you poorly, your rejection makes him feel less valuable, which contributes to his sense of guilt.^[7]

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   He could be angry. It’s common to feel anger in response to rejection. Your significant other might be pretty upset that you walked away from him and your relationship, and could lash out at you.^[8] Or, he might show his anger by ignoring you, blocking you, or trying to retaliate or get revenge.

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   He may move on. If he’s a bit insecure or doesn’t want to feel all of the negative emotions associated with a breakup, he’s likely to find a new partner pretty quickly. While that doesn’t mean that he didn’t (or doesn’t) still care for you, it might just be his way of coping or an attempt to get back at you. As it turns out, rebound relationships actually make people feel better about themselves.^[9]

   • Remember, the same is true for you! Put yourself out there to meet new people and you may just find someone you click with and forget all about the guy you walked away from.

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1. Walk away only if you’re prepared to lose him. There’s no guarantee that walking away will make him want you back. It could mean the end of the relationship for good if he moves on. If you’re thinking about walking away to get him to chase you or change his behavior, try having an honest conversation first. Being direct is the best way to get your relationship back on track. Tell him how you’re feeling and what you want from him in a respectful, calm way. ^[10]

   • Try saying something like, “Sometimes I feel taken for granted in this relationship. I’d really love it if you could make it a point to show your appreciation for all I do for us. Just saying “thank you” would mean a lot to me.”
   • Alternatively, you might say, “I don’t always feel like a priority to you. Could we set aside a few nights a week where we spend quality time together without being on our phones?”
   • Give him a chance to respond to what you said and let you know what he needs out of the relationship as well. If you’re both willing to make some changes to meet each other’s needs, you can make things work.

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1. Walk away if you're not happy in the relationship. If you’re thinking about walking away because your needs aren't being met, the relationship feels one-sided, or he’s not treating you well, it’s probably the right move. You deserve someone who is willing to match your effort and treat you with kindness and respect, who makes you happier, better, and stronger. If this guy isn’t doing that, then it’s time to say goodbye.^[11]

   • It’s best to make a clean break and go no-contact so you can heal.
   • Don’t get discouraged if things didn’t work out. Staying in a bad relationship, you can miss the chance to build a good one. Moving on allows you to find someone that is a better match for you.

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