RELATIONSHIP PSYCHOLOGY
Looking For: A Golden Retriever Boyfriend
In today’s social media trend, a Golden Retriever Boyfriend equates to having a prince charming offering you the sun after defeating several dragons.
Anyone active online knows by now that there’s been a trend of equating men to dog breeds to help women figure out who would be better for them to date. For example, a Rottweiler boyfriend may come off as aloof, but once the facade drops, they become a complete sweetheart to their partners.
A Doberman boyfriend, on the other hand, is often seen as the safeguarding type. These men can be quite protective of their partners when they are out in public. While technically a good thing, this can also come off as unappealing at times, and to certain people.
With all these examples, let’s explore what makes a golden retriever boyfriend stand out.
They Have a Sunny Disposition
Golden retrievers embody the color in their name: golden. They are undeniably warm, outgoing, and excitable. Even if he isn’t the most handsome man in the room, someone this cheerful raises the bar when it comes to attracting women. As stated by Jeremy Nicholson M.S.W., Ph.D., people with warm personalities make good mates and are often socially noble.
They are Very Affectionate
This type of boyfriend can provide all five love languages: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and gift giving. They may come off as codependent, but it is just in their nature to eagerly please. With this, they eliminate roles expected of girls to be the ones always filling the emotional cups of relationships.
Having a golden retriever boyfriend means receiving unpredictable acts of thoughtfulness. Studies even show that being on the receiving end of such an affectionate touch offers consistent benefits, which makes it easy to believe you’re with the right guy.
They are Gentle Souls
Besides being the touchy type or the type you’d spot on the dance floor carelessly dancing away, this boyfriend type also has that glow of innocence. Is there any wonder that they treat those around them with the utmost care?
They easily find joy in the simple things, such as being as excited as the children in the neighborhood whenever an ice cream truck passes by. A golden retriever boyfriend is also known to break male stereotypes because of the tenderness they exude. This makes them poster boys for healthy masculinity in today’s generation.
Don’t Forget to Keep Watch
With all these different dog breeds being used as boyfriend labels on TikTok, it can also come with toxic wishful thinking. It can be problematic if you disregard their individual negative qualities just because you idealize their positive qualities. Remember that no partner is perfect.
Everyone is human, no matter how literally you want to compare them to your favored dog breed. This also means you must face the reality of your relationship alignment. Ask yourself if you are the type of woman who can provide a golden retriever type the loving home he deserves?
If so, great. Those who stumble upon men with the qualities of a Golden Retriever Boyfriend should consider themselves lucky, for he is certainly one of the best partners you can ever have!
References:
Nicholson, Jeremy. 2024. “How Nice Guys (and Women) Can Find Love.” Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-attraction-doctor/202403/how-do-nice-guys-and-gals-finish-first
Jakubiak, Brett K. 2022. “Affectionate Touch in Satisfying and Dissatisfying Romantic Relationships.” Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
https://www.midus.wisc.edu/findings/pdfs/2500.pdf
Kerns, Hannah. 2023. “TikTok’s Love for Golden Retriever Boyfriends, Explained.” Elite Daily.
https://www.elitedaily.com/dating/tiktok-golden-retriever-boyfriend
