Feelings of hurt and loss
When a relationship ends, whether it is an amicable breakup or a painful one, people often feel hurt and sad. Men in particular may not be as open to expressing strong emotions as women, as they are sometimes expected to be strong. Therefore, using tissues to wipe away tears may be a way for them to hide their true feelings, while still being able to soothe the pain and release their emotions.
Difficulty expressing emotions
There are still some social stereotypes about how men and women express their emotions. In many cultures, men may be expected not to cry or not to be too vulnerable, so they often find ways to express their emotions in more private and discreet ways, such as wiping away tears with tissues instead of crying openly. Tissues can be an easily available “item” that helps them deal with problems without having to show too much emotion to others.
Self-soothing action
Using tissues to wipe away tears can also be an unconscious or natural action that helps a man comfort himself during a difficult time. Just like finding something to do when feeling stressed, wiping away tears can help ease the pain, even if only for a short moment.
Personality
Not all men process emotions the same way, but some may feel “shy” about expressing sadness publicly. They may use tissues as a way to keep their emotions contained, rather than showing them too clearly in front of everyone.
Sadness is hard to express in words
Finally, using tissues to wipe away tears may be the only way a man can deal with the deep sadness of ending a relationship. The feelings of pain, disappointment or loss after a breakup are sometimes too great and difficult to express in words, and the act of wiping away tears may be the simplest but most sincere way for them to face that sadness.
Thus, using many tissues to wipe away tears when ending a relationship can be a way to express pain, disappointment, or it can also be a manifestation of hiding one's own emotions. Each person will have their own way of facing and handling sadness.
