Don Draper & Dr. Faye: Why Date After The Yelling?

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the enigmatic Don Draper and his, shall we say, interesting dating choices? Specifically, the head-scratching moment in "Mad Men" when Don asks out Dr. Faye Miller right after witnessing her intense phone call with a man? Yeah, that's the scene we're diving into today. It's a complex situation, and there's a lot more to it than just Don being, well, Don. So, grab your Old Fashioned (or your beverage of choice) and let's unpack this.

The Scene: A Quick Recap

Let's set the stage. Don and Dr. Faye have a connection. They're both smart, attractive, and there's definitely a spark. But then comes the phone call. Dr. Faye unleashes a verbal storm on the other end, revealing a fiery side that's quite a contrast to her usual composed demeanor. Now, most guys might take a step back, maybe even run for the hills. But not Don. Nope. He sees this and decides, "Yep, that's the woman I want to date!" What gives?

Decoding Don: Why the Yelling Didn't Deter Him

To understand Don, we gotta dig a little deeper into his psyche. He's not your average guy, and he's definitely not looking for the average relationship. Here's a breakdown of some key factors that likely played into his decision:

• Don Loves Complexity: Let's be honest, Don Draper is drawn to complexity like a moth to a flame. A woman who's always sweet and agreeable? Probably not going to hold his interest for long. Dr. Faye's outburst showed him she's not just a pretty face; she's got depth, she's got passion, and maybe even a little bit of darkness. And Don? He's fluent in darkness.
• He Sees a Reflection of Himself: Don is a master of keeping his emotions bottled up, but he also understands the power of raw emotion. He probably saw a kindred spirit in Dr. Faye's outburst, someone who isn't afraid to let their feelings show, even if it's not pretty. It's like looking in a mirror, but a slightly more fiery mirror.
• The Thrill of the Chase: Don, at his core, is a hunter. The easier the target, the less appealing it is. Dr. Faye's display of anger might have been seen as a challenge, a sign that she's not easily won over. And for Don, the challenge is often more alluring than the prize itself.
• He's Used to Drama: Let's not forget Don's track record. His life is basically a soap opera waiting to happen. He's been through infidelity, lies, identity crises, you name it. A little yelling? That's Tuesday for Don Draper. In fact, a calm, peaceful relationship might actually bore him.
• Maybe He Misunderstood the Situation: It's possible Don didn't fully grasp the context of the phone call. He might have assumed it was a professional matter or a one-off situation. He might have even seen it as a sign of strength, a woman who's not afraid to stand up for herself. Remember, Don often sees what he wants to see.

Dr. Faye: A Woman Who Can Hold Her Own

It's also crucial to consider Dr. Faye's perspective. She's not just some damsel in distress or a manic pixie dream girl. She's a successful, independent woman in a male-dominated world. Her outburst, while perhaps not ideal, showed that she's not afraid to be assertive and fight for what she believes in. This is a quality that might have attracted Don, even subconsciously.

She's a modern woman navigating the complexities of the 1960s, and that comes with its own set of challenges. Maybe the phone call was about a professional setback, a personal betrayal, or something else entirely. The point is, she's a fully realized character with her own baggage and motivations. And Don, for all his flaws, is often drawn to women who are their own people.

The Broader Context: "Mad Men" and Relationships

This scene is a microcosm of the show's larger themes about relationships, power dynamics, and the complexities of human nature. "Mad Men" doesn't shy away from showing the ugly sides of love and attraction. It reminds us that people are flawed, relationships are messy, and sometimes, the things that repel us can also attract us.

Don's decision to ask out Dr. Faye after the phone call is a perfect example of this. It's not romantic in the traditional sense, but it's real. It's a glimpse into the twisted logic of human desire, the way we're drawn to the unconventional and the unpredictable. It challenges the notion of perfect love and reminds us that sometimes, the most interesting connections are the ones that are a little bit broken.

What We Can Learn

So, what can we take away from this? Well, for starters, it's a reminder that people are complex. We all have our moments of anger, frustration, and vulnerability. And sometimes, those moments can reveal more about us than our carefully constructed facades.

It also highlights the subjectivity of attraction. What one person finds off-putting, another might find intriguing. Don's reaction to Dr. Faye's outburst is a testament to this. He wasn't scared off; he was intrigued. He saw something in her that resonated with him, even if it wasn't immediately obvious.

Finally, it's a reminder that relationships are not always about perfection. They're about connection, about finding someone who understands you, flaws and all. And sometimes, the flaws are what make the connection so strong.

Final Thoughts

The scene with Don and Dr. Faye is a fascinating moment in "Mad Men." It's a testament to the show's brilliant writing and its ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships. It's a scene that sparks conversation, challenges our assumptions, and reminds us that love, in all its messy glory, is never simple. So, what do you guys think? Why did Don ask out Dr. Faye after the yelling? Let's discuss in the comments!

Keywords

• Don Draper dating choices
• Dr. Faye Miller phone call
• Mad Men relationships
• Decoding Don's behavior
• Complexity in relationships