All the Stuff the Gentleman in Your Life Could Really Stand to Learn from Outlander

I originally was late to the Outlander party, but I’m here now, and my life has been forever changed, possibly even more so than when Claire didn’t buy that vahhhzzz in the shop window.

That woman is strong and brave and badass and so, so good at bandaging people and teaching 20th century swears to 18th century folks, but obviously, we need to talk about Jamie Fraser.

Whatta guy. 

I can safely say that the vast majority of 21st century men could learn a great, great deal from him.

(And no, I’m not even talking about the sexy-time stuff.)

Jamie Believes

You know how when you remind your significant other for the 19th time that your parents are coming to stay with you next weekend while they’re in town for the Rick Steves Travel Show, he’s all, “You never told me that”? It’s not even that he doesn’t listen-- it’s that in accusing you of never having shared the information, it’s an implied accusation of lying. LYING.

One time, Claire told Jamie she was from 200 years in the future. He didn’t even blink. He just had questions about airplanes.

Jamie Has Her Back

It’s your 10th high school reunion this weekend. No one wants to go that-- but you also can’t stay away. People are there to judge you in the most unforgiving of ways. But your mate argues, “Why should I have to go to something that even you don’t want to go to?” Because. Suffering and cheap wine are both best when enjoyed as a duo, which he will never know, because he elected to stay home and re-watch The Wire for the eleventh time. 

One time, Claire was on trial for being a witch, and Jamie just showed up to rescue her with not one, but TWO swords-- and he even looked up the address of the courthouse himself.

Jamie Takes the Feedback

You:

“I’d really love it if you’d stop checking your phone so often at the dinner table.”

“I’d really love it if you’d stop checking your phone so often at the dinner table.”

“I’d really love it if you’d stop checking your phone so often at the dinner table.”

“I’d really love it if you’d stop checking your phone so often at the dinner table.”

“I’d really love it if you’d stop checking your phone so often at the dinner table.”

“I’d really love it if you’d stop checking your phone so often at the dinner table.”

“PUT THE FUCKING PHONE DOWN.”

Claire:

“I know it’s the year 1743 and women are considered property of their Lords, but do not whip me. Also, it was weird that you sort of played it for laughs, but whatever.”

Jamie:

*Weeps* *Begs for forgiveness* *Makes her a solemn vow on bended knee* *Probably makes her a cheese plate*

Jamie Is Awesome at Making Travel Plans

You: “What do you want to do when we go to Italy this summer?”

Him: “Whatever.”

So you spend every night for the next seven weeks researching every region, every village, every train schedule, every cafe, making copious lists of every historic wonder in the country and where the closest quaint B&B is in relation because you’ve painstakingly put together the Ultimate Italian Itinerary-- which involves everything except a visit to dumb Lake Como to try to spot dumb George Clooney. Whoa, TripAdvisor just called and offered you a job!

You get off the plane in Rome, ready to get started, and your life partner throws everything off kilter by casually throwing out, “We could rent a car and be in Lake Como in seven hours!” Now. He. Has. An. Opinion.

One time, Claire thought they were going to Jamie’s house, but instead he surprised her by instead taking them to the rocks that would catapult her through time and space, i.e., the only place on the planet she wanted to go.

How much more can we collectively stand to fall in love with Jamie Fraser?

I dunna even ken.