An analysis of more than 50 studies by the Humboldt University of Berlin reveals that heterosexual men are more likely to show emotion and place more importance on romantic relationships than women do. 

A 2011 study determined that men are likely to think about saying ‘I love you’ around 42 days before women do. 

On the flip side of this, they’re also inclined to handle break-ups worse, with Humboldt stating, “Steady relationships are psychologically more important for men than for women”. 

Are women truly less romantic or emotional than men, though?

The studies point out that women often have key friendships with whom they share emotions, whereas men are less likely to share these vulnerabilities with friends. 

This lack of emotionally supportive friends can then influence men to rely on romantic relationships for a safe space to open up and share their vulnerabilities. 

While saying ‘I love you’ first might make men seem more romantic, according to the research, they’re really just missing the emotional support that comes from female friendships.