The Golden Retriever Boyfriend Trend - What It Is & Why It Has Become Popular

The new trend in evaluating a new man as boyfriend material is the Golden Retriever Boyfriend, a man who exemplifies old-fashioned values of kindness and devotion.

The old saying ran, "Love me, love my dog," but a new trend in evaluating relationship potential has women loving the dog before meeting the man -- but it must be a Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are one of America's most popular breeds, mainly because of their loopy, loving personalities and sweet, affable nature, and that more or less describes the ideal man!

So what is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend? Essentially a GRB is kind, loving, devoted, playful, and always ready for a romp. The GRB is the opposite of the sullen, brooding, difficult, and often toxic boyfriend that was in fashion not so long ago.

It's time for a change of pace with a positive, rapport-building, adorably goofy GRB. A definition of the Golden Retriever Boy on Twitter reads:

"A golden retriever is a man, usually in his twenties, who is beyond naive/gullible. A golden retriever is usually lanky and blond, and will look younger than he really is. you can tell somebody is a golden retriever at first glance."

There are plenty of examples of Golden Retriever Boyfriends in movies and TV series, and there's a lot of fun to be had in spotting the GRB character in your favorite show.

Why Do People Like the Golden Retriever Boyfriend Trend?

The best thing about the GRBs is their sincerity. GRBs are not love bombers, they show their affection spontaneously with sweet gestures that have nothing to do with impressing and everything to do with expressing what they feel.

Magazine editor Annie Corser explained her take on the growing popularity of the Golden Retriever Boyfriend:

"While the Golden Retriever Boy may seem too good to be true, it’s actually an honest admittance that modern dating is hard, and being decent is commendable."

Advice on How to Meet a Golden Retriever Boyfriend

So how do you find the Golden Retriever Boyfriend, and how do you recognize him? Once again, sincerity and spontaneity seem to be the key. Dating app Jamie Johnston described the GRB:

"They are not trying to be what they feel women want and act themselves much like the Golden Retriever they are happy-go-lucky, dependable, and affectionate."

Keep a close watch on the prospective GRB whose relaxed, happy-go-lucky yet responsible attitude cannot be faked.

Examples of On-Screen Golden Retriever Boyfriends

There are plenty of examples of Golden Retriever Boyfriends in movies and TV series, and there's a lot of fun to be had in spotting the GRB character in your favorite show.

Ben, from "Never Have I Ever," is a GRB. He adores Devin, is supportive without being clingy, and is always there to cheer her on. His melting puppy dog eyes are also a major factor.

Superheroes and GRBs may seem a contradiction in terms, after all, the hero is always brooding and tormented -- except, of course, for Tom Holland as Peter Parker in "Spider-Man." He's sweet, loving, and adorably goofy. Pure GRB.

In "The Summer I Turned Pretty," Belly thinks she is in love with the elusive, volatile (broody) Conrad, but the real winner is funny, supportive Jeremiah, who respects her and considers her his equal in every respect.

Jake Peralta in "Brooklyn 99" is the ultimate GRBN. He is self-confident, comfortable with himself, and with having a female boss who happens to be smarter than he is and a better detective. Plus, he is loopy and adorably puppyish.