“I DIDN’T LIKE HER ANYWAY”: A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF MALE RESPONSES TO ROMANTIC REJECTION

Abstract

This study examines male responses to romantic rejection through a discourse analysis of the phrase “I Didn’t Like Her Anyway.” It explores how men use language to express, conceal, or negotiate feelings of rejection, disappointment, and wounded self-esteem. The study focuses on the linguistic strategies employed to reconstruct masculinity and maintain a positive self-image following romantic rejection. Drawing on discourse analysis, it investigates patterns of denial, emotional distancing, blame-shifting, and self-justification in male narratives. The analysis also considers how social expectations surrounding masculinity influence the expression of vulnerability and emotional responses. By examining these discursive patterns, the study aims to uncover the relationship between language, gender identity, and emotional defense mechanisms. Ultimately, it highlights how seemingly casual statements can reveal deeper psychological and social dynamics in the experience of romantic rejection.