Golden retriever boyfriends are all over your feed, but does one exist IRL?

Time of India

a day ago

Image credits: Getty Images
The term 'Golden Retriever Boyfriend' has a similar birthplace as many Gen Z terms- TikTok. As early as 2021, the concept was scrolled over by social media users multiple times. However, it resurged to the top when Taylor Swift entered into her much-adored and obsessed-over relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce, the ever-smiling and ever-loving beau of the world's boo.
'A golden retriever boyfriend is the human equivalent of a tail wagging, wide-eyed pup who lives to love you,' explained Tiff Baira, host of "Streethearts" and a relationship expert and matchmaker to Cosmopolitan. 'He's sweet, loyal, emotionally available, and basically imprinted on you after the third date.' Think of a Tom Holland, a Nick Jonas, a Jake Peralta or a Jim Halpert.
In short, he absolutely contradicts the emotionally unavailable, uninterested and always on the lookout for someone better boyfriend. But does a Golden Retriever Boyfriend exist in real life?
Understanding a GRBF
Image credits: Getty Images
A Golden Retriever Boyfriend values your presence and addition in his life.
He pays attention to your likes and dislikes, dos and don'ts and wants and needs. He fits all the adjectives of loving, positive, energetic, loyal and uncomplicated.
'He remembers your coffee order, sends good morning texts unprompted, and genuinely enjoys helping you build IKEA furniture,' added Baira. 'He's not playing games; he's the overly nice and caring type who puts you before himself.'
In the era where doom scrolling and app-based dates only get you disappointed, the GRBF comes as a breath of fresh air.
As someone who is serious and interested in a relationship. As someone you'd be with after getting your heart broken by a bad boy who seemed like rose-coloured glasses until he wasn't.
How to identify if you have a Golden Retriever Boyfriend?
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It seems the signs to identify if your boyfriend is a golden retriever are wagging right in front of you. You are the apple of his eyes; he will help you with small things like carrying your grocery bag without asking him to, and he will care for you even in the most basic aspects of life.
He is there to be with you, by your side, holding your hand as you both create the life of your dreams.
However, if you have a boyfriend who's acting completely opposite to this, then it's time to bark some orders. If you are constantly worried about his whereabouts and friends, if you have to ask him for favours and if he only texts at night, then it's time to reconsider.
But hey, there ain't just black and white. There's grey too.
This is someone who is a Jeremiah (if you have watched 'The Summer I Turned Pretty). He is nice to get nice. The guy who seems endlessly kind and selfless but secretly has an agenda,' explained Baira. 'If his niceness comes with strings attached, like using your connections, expecting money, or subtly manipulating you, he's not golden; he's gold-plated.'
He will only be affectionate in public and go cold when you are alone.
He expects gratitude and appreciation for the smallest of tasks, and while he may look like the wind beneath your wings, he wouldn't take a second to clip them if you are flying too high.
Is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend the only one?
Image credits: Getty Images
A Golden Retriever Boyfriend can be a great partner, someone you could imagine getting old with, who you could introduce to your parents and possibly be the father of your kids (if you want to have them).
However, just because he seems like the ideal guy, he doesn't have to be your cup of tea.
You might not want someone to settle you down and adore you forever; you might want some fire, someone who challenges you.
Social media isn't a mirror to real life; it's an escape. It could be that men are following the archetype to finally have a chance in the dating pool, and women are choosing it to make themselves feel like a person who is worthy of a GRBF.
If such a boyfriend is for you, then good, but if not, find the one who is more your type.
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