Is your lover a Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, or a black cat? Here's how you can make your relationship work

Decoding the 'Golden Retriever' vibe

Golden Retrievers are a popular breed among dog lovers due to their even-tempered and affectionate personality. They're known to be playful and can easily get along well with other pets and strangers.

In reference to these traits, men who are loyal, supportive, and have an overall cuddly personality to their partners are seen as Golden Retrievers. They have a very positive outlook in life and would often bring a cheerful attitude, choosing to avoid conflict whenever possible.

But best of all is how eager they are to please their partners and won't hesitate even for a second to shower them with love and attention, much like how real Golden Retriever dogs always greet and jump at their owners in happiness at seeing them.

TikTok trends show women filming their boyfriends in crowds. When spotted, the partners' instant, excited reactions perfectly capture the Golden Retriever vibe.

@hoest The way he is scanning ? (@gemmt_) #bf #relationship #airport #vacation #trip #funny #comedy #relatable #hoest ♬ original sound - Hoest

Still, every relationship has its hurdles, even with someone as ideal as a Golden Retriever boyfriend.

Psychologist and relationship coach Mezhal Ulao told PhilSTAR L!fe that issues may arise with these kinds of partners when you aren't able to keep up with the same energy they're showing you.

"Golden Retrievers are laid-back, high-energy creatures that are fun-loving and require a lot of attention and patience. Which means to be able to handle someone like this, one actually needs to be able to match that same energy lest you find yourself utterly exhausted," Ulao said.

"Like what many Golden Retriever owners know, they'll need constant activities, quality time, and adventures with their loved ones," he added.

A closer look at the 'black cat'

Black cat partners turn the Golden Retriever vibe completely upside down, as they're known to express traits commonly associated with black cats: introverted, mysterious, and quiet. 

Unlike the outgoing and friendly personality of the Golden Retriever, black cat partners tend to be a total enigma and prefer to keep to themselves, especially during social gatherings and celebrations.

They're also a little coy when it comes to showing attention as they typically like to be the one doing the listening instead of the talking and may play a little hard to get at first.

That isn't to say that black cats won't show any love towards you. These people will still express how much you mean to them through their own low-key ways, such as teasing to get attention and being loyal to those they love.

According to Ulao, one has to have a lot of patience in order to successfully keep a healthy relationship with a black cat partner.

"These people like to size people up and are very choosy of whom they decide to spend their time with," he explained. "So to be around and with someone like this, you'll need to have a good level of understanding and be ready for deep, meaningful conversations. You'll need to also give them time to warm up to you and not be in a rush."

"Emotionally grounded individuals are going to be their preference as it makes it more enticing for them to unravel their partners themselves," he highlighted.

But believe it or not, Golden Retrievers and black cats pair well together because of how their contrasting personalities balance each other out, much like the popular saying of how "opposites attract."

Many couples who claim to have Golden Retriever and black cat energies have shared on TikTok videos of themselves being all lovey-dovey with each other.

@_amirlancaster_

Love her, protect her, and provide for her ❤️

♬ Stargazing - Myles Smith

What is the German Shepherd partner?

Apart from the Golden Retriever and black cat labels, the German Shepherd is another animal used to describe partners who exhibit certain personality traits.

As these dogs often make for excellent police and military dogs, partners with German Shepherd energies often show extreme loyalty and protectiveness over their partners.

Their protective instincts are in high gear and are always ready to attack if they feel their partner's safety is threatened. This is coupled with his alertness to tend to his partner's needs and emotions.

More than that, German Shepherds are incredibly loyal to their loved ones, and having an affair with another would never cross their minds.

@jennabenna_s

whatever you say ?

♬ how i love being a woman - editdiaary

Like any other relationship, dating a German Shepherd also has its ups and downs.

"German Shepherd is quite an interesting way to represent the possessive clingy types of individuals," Ulao said. "Hard to trust people, but once you capture their heart, they give you all that they can for you."

"To be in a relationship with someone like this, one needs to work on really taking time to get to know them and to also be patient and understand that trust takes time for them to build. Once you do capture their love, be ready with affirmations and be transparent in how you communicate with them. These are things they'll appreciate the most," he advised.

What to remember about labels

While labels are a fun way to visualize certain romantic partners, we mustn't get carried away with categorizing individuals.

Labels aren't always accurate, and one's identity should never be placed solely under one umbrella. This creates a stereotype judgment that could eventually lead to unrealistic expectations toward the individuals being labeled," Ulao said.

"This is a gentle reminder to not stick to labels as people can and will be unique in their own way, and as with any relationship, always consider taking time to get to know them as they get to know you," he underscored.