'Golden Retriever boyfriends are over. Get yourself a Black Cat man (like I did).'

For years, we've been living in the golden retriever boyfriend era. You know the type — enthusiastic, loyal, perpetually optimistic, and ready to let you in with boundless energy. Think Jeremiah in The Summer I Turned Pretty, Glen Powell in Anyone But You, Jason in The Good Place, Tom Holland's entire public persona, Steve Harrington from Stranger Things, Ken from Barbie, and basically Chris Evans in any rom-com ever made.

Even TikTok has been obsessed with golden retriever boyfriends, with countless videos praising their puppy-like devotion and sunny dispositions. And I get it — I both love and appreciate golden retriever men. There's something undeniably charming about their earnest enthusiasm and straightforward openness. 

But, the tide is officially turning. And I, for one, am very happy that black cat men are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Why? Spoiler alert: I married one.

Watch the trailer for The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3. Article continues after video.

But what is a black cat man, you ask? Think introspective, thoughtful, and quietly selfless. Black cat men are the ones who express their love through quiet gestures, rather than grand proclamations. They tend to keep to themselves, and have that mysterious quality that draws you in slowly, rather than bowling you over immediately. There's a quiet yearning about them that's utterly compelling.

Yes, sometimes these personalities can tend to be a little avoidant. They take their time opening up and they're selective with who they share with. But here's the thing — when they do open up, when they do share those deeper thoughts and feelings, they're often some of the most emotionally profound people you'll ever meet. There's something incredibly intimate about being the person a black cat individual chooses to be vulnerable with, the one who's allowed to see behind their composed exterior.

My husband is a classic black cat (as am I). When I first met him, he came across mellow, confident, but a little bit mysterious — not in a red flag way, but in that intriguing way.

As I got to know him, I found that he was (and is) quietly thoughtful and caring, never needing to boast or loudly profess his actions. He's deeply self-reflexive and pensive — able to match my energy when we're having fun, but equally comfortable sitting in silence with his thoughts.

Image: Prime Video

The quiet gestures are the ones that matter most. He remembers the small things, anticipates needs without being asked, and shows love through actions rather than words. It's not flashy, but it's profound.

So you can imagine my joy when we started to witness a pop-cultural shift towards appreciating the black cat aesthetic. Look at Conrad from The Summer I Turned Pretty — total black cat energy, and specifically black cat older sibling energy. He does everything for Belly, yearning for her quietly while prioritising her happiness, even when it leads to his own suffering.

In the latest season, he's the epitome of silent devotion. She's marrying his brother, he's heartbroken and still in love with her, but keeps it all contained. When he hears her crying, he cancels his flight to stay and comfort her. He bakes for her. He agrees to go wedding shopping because Jeremiah can't, even though every moment is torture. 

Image: Prime Video

Is he without his flaws? Of course not. He's in his head, struggles to communicate his feelings, and often takes on too much responsibility and mental load to his own detriment — classic older sibling behaviour, really. But that complexity is part of the appeal.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is another perfect example of this dynamic in action. Bridget finds herself torn between two very different men: Roxster, the younger golden retriever type with his contagious energy and passion, and Mr. Walliker, the classic black cat — older, more reserved, initially a little prickly but deeply thoughtful. Both are genuinely good men in their own ways, but there's something about Mr. Walliker's steady, contemplative presence that ultimately wins her over. It's not about one being better than the other… it's about the deep appeal of that quiet confidence and emotional depth that black cat men can also possess.

Image: Universal Pictures

The evidence is everywhere. We're seeing a resurgence of black cat energy in our most beloved male characters and celebrities. Conrad, of course, from The Summer I Turned Pretty — the brooding older brother with depths of feeling and love to give. Felix from Too Much — introspective and slightly odd. Marcus in Ginny and Georgia — thoughtful and, at times, moody. Timothée Chalamet — the poster boy for sensitive, artistic black cat energy. Jacob Elordi — tall, dark, and mysteriously appealing.

There's something deeply attractive about a man who doesn't need to be the centre of attention, who expresses care with thoughtful actions rather than performative gestures. Black cat men offer emotional depth, quiet strength, and the kind of steady presence that golden retriever energy, for all its charm, can sometimes lack.

Image: Netflix

The subtle longing, the thoughtful silences, the way they can sit with their own thoughts whilst still being completely present for you — it's intoxicating.

WE ARE SO BACK. And I never doubted them for one second.

But look, at the end of the day, good men are good men, regardless of whether they're bouncing around with golden retriever energy or sitting quietly with black cat vibes. Both have their place, both deserve love, and both can make incredible partners. 

But I can't lie — I'm absolutely thrilled that our tender, enigmatic men are getting their flowers. It's about time these brooding, gentle souls got the recognition they've always deserved.

Feature Image: Supplied / Prime Video.