What is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend? All About the Pet-Inspired Personality Type – NBC Chicago

Like their adorable canine counterparts, golden retriever boyfriends are friendly, faithful, and affectionate. If you’re craving takeout, they’ll fetch your favorite meal without being asked. They’re not afraid to look a little bit goofy, whether they’re showering you with kisses or splashing in the pool while you work on your tan. They’re always thrilled to see you when you walk through the door — even if you only left an hour ago.

Most importantly, they’re always willing to go the extra mile for their favorite person: think Travis Kelce flying across the world to see Taylor Swift in the middle of football season, or Ryan Gosling wearing Eva Mendes’ initial on a necklace at the “Barbie” red carpet premiere.

Happy panting Golden retriever dog and blue Maine Coon looking at camera, Isolated on white. Source: Getty Images.

In most cases, being a golden retriever boyfriend is regarded as a green flag. After all, who wouldn’t want a loyal, attentive partner who prioritizes your needs?

However, there’s a lot more to the golden retriever boyfriend than meets the eye — especially if you tend to embrace the black cat personality type.

What is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend?

A golden retriever boyfriend shares many positive traits with the dog breed itself: he’s devoted, outgoing, affectionate, and always ready to have fun.

According to Liza Gold, LCSW, founder and director of Gold Therapy NYC, golden retriever boyfriend traits include the following:

• Easygoing
• Loving
• Social
• Eager to please
• Devoted

“They’re obviously very loyal,” Taylor Frazar-Green, M.A. LPC-A, tells TODAY.com. “I think that the biggest thing similar to the golden retriever dog is that they’re very eager to please and always very agreeable with their partner.”

Beyond social media trends, the golden retriever boyfriend trope has taken off in film and T.V.

The Pros and Cons of a Golden Retriever Boyfriend

On the surface, the idea of a golden retriever boyfriend seems universally positive.

“A relationship with a golden retriever boyfriend is probably one characterized by a lot of affection, and tenderness and playfulness,” Gold says.

However, even the most well-behaved golden retriever boyfriends aren’t immune to red flag behavior.

Like their canine namesakes, golden retriever boyfriends can be high-maintenance.

If you’re an introvert who needs time to recharge, you might struggle with the demands of a high-energy partner who always wants to spend time together.

“At times it can be quite draining, because I think at some point everyone needs to shut off to restore themselves,” Gold says. “I mean, play is wonderful. Affection is wonderful. But what about those moments where you’re not in the mood to be upbeat, playful or affectionate?”

Their devoted nature can also veer into clinginess. Still, Gold understands the allure of a golden retriever boyfriend.

Are Golden Retrievers and Black Cats Compatible?

In sharp contrast to the golden retriever boyfriend’s outgoing, friendly personality, a black cat girlfriend is reserved, mysterious, and occasionally aloof.

Despite their differences, black cat girlfriends and golden retriever boyfriends are a popular pairing — according to social media, at least.

However, Gold warns that you and your partner might end up fighting like cats and dogs. She links golden retriever boyfriends and black cat girlfriends to anxious attachment and avoidant attachment styles, respectively.

“Sometimes the relationships work out long term, sometimes they don’t,” she says. “But they are usually relationships with a fairly high degree of conflict due to opposing needs.”

Contrary to popular belief, opposites don’t actually attract, after all.

“There’s a spate of research to support the notion that people with similar interests attract, and people with similar personality traits attract,” Gold says.

However, all is not lost for the black cat-golden retriever pairing. Regardless of outward appearances, the most important factor in a relationship is whether the couple’s values and traits are compatible.

“People are attracted to one another when they have complementary features, which can sometimes appear as ‘opposite,’” Gold says. “But they have to be opposites that complement one another, not clash.”

Conclusion:
While the idea of a golden retriever boyfriend may seem universally appealing, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of this personality type. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, it’s crucial to find a partner who resonates with your values and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What makes a golden retriever boyfriend unique?
  A golden retriever boyfriend is known for his friendly, loyal, and affectionate nature.
• Are golden retriever boyfriends demanding?
  Yes, golden retriever boyfriends can be high-maintenance, requiring constant attention and affection.
• Can black cat girlfriends and golden retriever boyfriends work?
  While the two personalities may seem mismatched, it’s possible for successful relationships to form if the couple’s values and traits are compatible.