I've long noticed (and fell for it when I was younger) that films nearly always show women as the ones hurt following a relationship. The female character, regardless of if she dumps the guy or is dumped spends weeks in bed, grieving alone in films.

This is very misleading, it tries to send the message that women actually suffer more in these situations but I simply don't think its the case. I learnt it the hard way as have many men I know that women rarely 'sit at home moping' they nearly almost call in their male orbiters for attention or they go out with the intention of bedding men. Most of the time when they dump you they have your replacement lined up, so your calls of weakness a week later are almost always met with a complete lack of empathy "Who is this loser?".

I think its an important lesson men aren't taught, following a break up women do not suffer as badly, they have options and they utilise them. By contrast men who have been dumped are probably the least desirable creature on the planet, full of anger, pain, oneitis and lack of options.

Its a basic gesture, but one I'm not sure men internalise that well. All ideas of 'romantic gestures' following a breakup are pointless, particularly when you're talking 2 weeks later. You can be almost certain that within 2 weeks she has been with other men.