Gregory Eddie and the Rise of the Soft Boyfriend: Why We Need More Men Like Him
If you’ve been watching Abbott Elementary, you know that Gregory Eddie (played by Tyler James Williams) is the gold standard of what it means to be a “soft” yet strong man.
Gregory isn’t your typical sitcom love interest. He’s not the loud, overly confident guy who sweeps in with grand romantic gestures. Instead, he’s thoughtful, reserved, and deeply observant.
The “Soft” Man is the New Dream Man
Calm Down. HERE ME OUT! 🫣
We are tired of the Alpha and Beta man. 🧍♂️Just speaking of them I can hear them loudly in my head…
“I’m a top tier man because I got braids, a black bmw, and sell Forex on the side”
“I’m a high value men because if it’s privilege to be cheated on if I pay all the bills”
“I’m a Alpha man that wants a top tier women so if you reject me your rejecting yourself”
And they go on and on. Yet half them are desperately single.
But Greg 🎀🥹For so long, the ideal romantic partner in media has been a hyper-masculine, emotionally unavailable man who only “softens” for the woman he loves. But Gregory flips that entirely. He’s already emotionally aware. He’s already kind. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable, whether it’s admitting his insecurities about his career or standing up for what he believes in without being aggressive.
Why We’re Rooting for More Men Like Gregory
Women (and let’s be real, all of us) are exhausted by the emotionally stunted, tough-guy trope. We want men who listen, who care, who are present. Gregory represents a kind of masculinity that isn’t about dominance but partnership.
And in a world that often rewards men for being emotionally distant, seeing someone like Gregory on our screens reminds us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be real. It can be quiet, patient, and deeply fulfilling.
So, here’s to more Gregory Eddies in our lives—on-screen and off. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just looking for a love that’s kind, soft, and just a little bit awkward in the best way possible.
Or cheers to that high value men 😂 At least you getting a mansion out of it.
Finally someone who sees Gregory like I do! And even though he’s open with his feelings, he carefully chooses when to share it. I like that. He’s not impulsive, he’s laid back and he takes his time with anything he does. ❤️
I love that we are starting to see the "soft" man portrayed in the media. I feel seen because I am married to a man very much like Gregory...sensitive, deeply observant, and incredibly patient. It's beautiful to see different kinds of men being celebrated!