Relationship experts issue warning over hidden red flags behind 'golden retriever boyfriend' dating trend

Anyone who has an embarrassingly high daily screen time will no doubt know there's a whole entire language out there when it comes to dating lingo.

Whether it's 'Shrekking' or 'kittenfishing' all the way through to the dreaded 'Ben stage' and 'bum-maxxing', it's clear that the weird and wonderful world of romance is always evolving.

And there's one trend in particular which has been knocking about on social media for quite some time now, with people across the globe set on finding their 'golden retriever boyfriend'.

For anyone out of the loop, a golden retriever boyfriend usually describes a partner who is high-energy, kind, enthusiastic, loyal and super affectionate.

Much like the beloved dog breed, such individuals are known for being eager-to-please, emotionally expressive and incredibly supportive.

Celebrity examples include Tom Holland, Callum Turner, Ryan Gosling and Travis Kelce (just to name a few) - but are there any red flags associated with these so-called golden retriever boyfriends?

'Golden retriever boyfriends' are all the rage right now but experts have outlined some hidden red flag behaviour (Getty Stock Images)

Well, the experts seem to think so.

They warn that having an overtly happy-go-lucky partner may mean you're lumped with doing all the hard emotional stuff, with Dr Lalitaa Suglani, relationship expert at dating site eHarmony, telling The Independent: "What makes it tricker if you’re more of an ‘independent dater’ type, preferring to have a bit more space to yourself, and not having a partner that’s overly attached to you."

Sharing the platform's research, she shared: "We found that many singles over 40 are actively prioritising independence (40-47, 47 per cent / 50-59, 46 per cent) alongside connection, which reflects more of a desire for both support and flexible bandwidth for their own personal growth."

(Getty Stock Images)

"A partner who challenges you in a healthy, respectful way can help you grow as a person, which is especially important later in life, when people bring more lived experience into new relationships. Being with someone who encourages growth or reflection and brings new perspectives helps you avoid falling into old habits, particularly after a previous long-term relationship or marriage," Suglani explains.

Relationship coach Greta Bereisaite helpfully outlined several red flags seen in golden retriever boyfriends, which include: people-pleasing, co-dependency, and disregard for personal boundaries.

"This can get overwhelming over time, while in the beginning it seems loving and cute," the coach said in a TikTok video.

"Unless you love someone being glued to you, the man is not for you," she concluded.

Each to their own!