Are girls drawn to “bois” who resemble their dads?

*repost from my other blog, She loves Her*

I admit that I’m the more masculine one in our relationship, and we tend to fall into traditional male and female roles (I’ll blog about this later). Leigh often remarks that I remind her of her father. It’s usually due to something I’ve said or some random behavior/mannerism I have.

For example, I fuss at her constantly about driving with less than half a tank of gas (especially in the winter)… just like her dad. And I walk around the house in a t-shirt, shorts, calf-high socks, and house slippers… just… like… her… dad.

*What? It’s comfortable… and don’t all men/studs/bois do this?*

“Oh, Lord… I’m marrying my father,” she says. Then laughs, shakes her head, and walks away.

I’m amused by it… and flattered. But the similarities she sees didn’t hit home until I met her father two weekends ago. That’s when I noticed it. We have similar life views, interests, and sense of humor. The way Leigh and I interact resembles the way her dad interacts with his wife. And we do, indeed share a few mannerisms and facial features. It’s uncanny too, because Leigh is a spitting image of her dad… I guess that’s why she and I look related…like 3rd cousins or something… *pondering the thought*

*ehem*

It’s been said that women who had close relationships with their fathers as children, tend to be drawn towards men (or maybe studs/bois?) who resemble their fathers when they grow up. In Leigh’s case, that makes a lot of sense because she’s definitely a “daddy’s girl”. It’s so cute to watch her “revert” when her dad’s around (on the phone or in person). She also does it when she wants something from me… and it always works… *humph*

So from now on, when Leigh points out that she’s “marrying her father”, I’ll smile, kiss her forehead, and reply…

“I know.”

Meet the Parents

*repost from my other blog, She loves Her*

So, I finally met my girlfriend’s parents two weeks ago. They were in town for a sporting event. Now, they’ve known of me for a while and vice versa; via holiday, birthday, and general check-in phone calls. But this is the first meeting in person.

I was nervous as hell. I mean these are THE PARENTS!

Leigh (my girl) assured me that I had nothing to worry about. “They’re just my parents”, she says with a dismissive wave of the hand.

*Oh, boy…*

We met them in the lobby of their hotel. After handshakes and hugs, I knew she was right. I had nothing, at all, to worry about.

It felt like a reunion… as if we’d all been friends for years. It was even mentioned that I looked like a close relative. I also met her parents’ hangout buddies (another awesome couple) and a few more of Leigh’s friends and family. (It was a “college-rivalry” sporting event, so busloads of people came to support their team.)

We had a great time. I sat and chatted with “mom and dad” more than Leigh did, lol! (She made her rounds to everyone else she knew…my little social butterfly…) Her parents are down-to-earth, and each has a great sense of humor. They tell anecdotes like a comedy team.

Leigh always jokes about how close and lovey-dovey her parents are. I finally got the chance to witness it firsthand. When you’re around them, the deep love and affection they share is definitely noticeable. Mom and dad still crush on each other. You can feel it. Best of all, you can tell how much they like each other. They’re best friends and enjoy each other’s company.

Her parents have been together a quarter of a century (wow… sounds amazing when you put it like that, right?).

Spending time with them reminded me of other couples I know that have been together just as long; some with good relationships and others with troubled ones. And I’ve learned that it’s not just about the quantity of time invested in a relationship, but the quality of that time.

We all get excited when we hear that a couple has been together for umpteen+ years. But do you stop and think about the quality of those years?

I’d feel uncomfortable boasting about the longevity of my relationship if it’s been riddled with strife, and we’re  still together for the convenience and comfort of it. To hell with keeping up appearances…

I don’t want a roommate. I want a wife.

Leigh and I have a solid foundation that we’re building a long-lasting and loving relationship upon…

I think we’re gonna turn into her parents.

*grin*