There’s no denying that the world is collectively obsessed with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a football fan, or don’t consider yourself a full-blown “Swiftie,” when there’s so much star power behind a couple, it’s almost impossible to avoid learning everything. One of the biggest draws to their dynamic, however, is Kelce’s incredible support, loyalty and unabashed pride in Swift’s career and massive success. In fact, his dedication is so obvious that the Internet has dubbed Kelsey the “golden retriever boyfriend”—a loyal, affectionate partner who isn’t afraid to express his feelings to the world. This is the love language that everyone should be looking for in their respective partners.
However, while Kelce seems to have a monopoly on the term, golden retriever boyfriends existed long before these two lovebirds met. Sure, they’re a bit rare – considering women’s success can scare some men (so emotional!) – but they do exist. Some of them can be found in the real world (if you’re lucky), while others are simply captured on screen as a standard for all modern men to live up to. But, in my opinion, no one fits that description better than Hugh Grant’s William Thacker. notting hillIt tells the love story between a beautiful American actress and a British bookstore owner.
From the way you just want to run your fingers through his thick, floppy hair to the way he follows Julia Robert’s Anna Scott like a real puppy, there’s no denying that Grant’s in the beloved ’90s drama Golden Retrievers’ energy is on display in romantic comedies. When you top it off with that charming British accent? Get ready to bow down to the swooning master (wow).
Worship 101
William was probably starstruck when he first met Anna, just like many of us are when we meet famous celebrities. However, as time passed, his adoration and awe for her grew. He stopped seeing Anna as a “celebrity” and began to appreciate her for who she was, rather than the persona she played on screen or in the media. For William, fame and fortune were not emotionally important to him. She could have quit her job and lived a quiet life, and he would have been just as fascinated by her as before.
There are no unhealthy power dynamics
Also, just because William would be fine if Anna wanted to put her reputation behind her, so it’s not his business needed Everything she does is to validate her self-worth. Her successful career never made him feel jealous, threatened or intimidated. He never felt like he was trying to push her down to lift himself up. Instead, he was extremely proud of her accomplishments and celebrated her victories. He listened to her talk about her work and even helped her rehearse lines for an upcoming movie. The only thing he seems confused about is understanding why someone as wonderful as her would be interested in someone as ordinary as him. There were no ulterior motives—just a man supporting his partner.
he knows how to deliver his lines
Anna’s iconic line “I’m just a girl” may get everyone’s attention, but Grant also delivers some truly mesmerizing lines throughout the film. So don’t let his bad-tempered bad-tempered off-screen persona fool you, because Grant has always been a lovable heartthrob on screen. For example, after the first time the two slept together, Anna wondered in the morning if she lived up to the fantasy he had in his mind about her. William responded, “You’re cuter than ever this morning.” When she asked if she could stay with him a little longer while hiding from the press, he immediately said, “Stay forever.” He was clearly impressed by her Very loyal and wants to be her safe space away from the rest of the world. We love seeing it.
this Horse and Hound of all this
It’s more of a happy coincidence than anything else, but I’m really grateful, even for his work as a fictional journalist Horse and Hound Tied to his entire Golden Retriever moniker. (I know, technically, golden retrievers are not hounds, but you understand the connection.) Regardless, there’s no denying that Hugh Grant notting hill Character is the good boy we all deserve.
