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Are men really less committed than women? Relationship expert weighs in on the stereotype

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  • It may be argued that men move on from relationships quicker than women, but this is not entirely true.
  • Relationships expert Paula Quinsee says people of all genders display a variety of behaviours. 
  • Individual experiences, such as past relationships, family dynamics, and personal values, can significantly influence how someone approaches relationships.


There is an arguable perception that men move on from a relationship faster than women. But relationships expert Paula Quinsee says this varies and depends on individual experience. 

"Different factors can contribute to failed relationships, and not all men or women fit the stereotype of hopping in and out of relationships," she says. 

It's important to note that people of all genders can display a variety of behaviours when it comes to relationships, such as:

Society and gender stereotyping - traditional gender roles and societal expectations can shape behaviour. We have been conditioned to think that men view relationships differently from women, which sways to men being more casual or less committed when it comes to relationships.


Expressing emotions – for decades, men have been discouraged from openly expressing emotions as it is seen as a weakness, and this has been seen to play out as men coming across as emotionally detached and easily able to hop from one relationship to another. 

READ MORE | Happy wife, happy life? A harmonious relationship is the responsibility of both partners

Dating culture – in today's modern world, there has been a rise in casual dating or online apps being a place for casual hookups, which has contributed to the perception of men hopping between relationships. It can also be age/generation related as younger men are perceived as not wanting to be tied down or committed to one person while they are still figuring themselves out and what they want in life, while older men (50+) are in a different life stage and are seen to be leaning more to companionship and someone to share life with.

Personal circumstances - individual experiences, such as past relationships, family dynamics, and personal values, can significantly influence how someone approaches relationships. These factors can vary widely among individuals, leading to deeper factors such as commitment issues and challenges with committing to long-term relationships due to personal insecurities, past traumas, or other reasons.


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