When you pictured your 6’4” boyfriend attempting to get to know your daughter, wearing matching pajamas was never something you envisioned.

You’re in the kitchen when Simon comes down the stairs, brooding and grumping. You turn to look at him. “Hey, love. What do you want for dinn—“ you start, only to cut off when you see him.

Your dangerous, stoic, and very serious boyfriend is clad in a pink onesie, adorned with bows and flowers. He has plastic butterfly clips and barrettes clipped onto random pieces of bronze hair. There is a stray kitten sticker precariously hanging from his earlobe. He looks as if he’s gone to war with a six year old. “Don’t even say it.” he grumbles, plopping down at the kitchen island. “I got the little lass matching pajamas with me, I let her destroy my hair, and I promised her I’d have a tea party with her later, and she still refuses to accept me.” he rambles off, cheeks turning red with frustration.

His utter defeat seems deeper than that, though. “Love, you know I’m not breaking up with you just because she hasn’t warmed up to you yet, right?” You ask gently, walking over and unclipping the hair accessories. “Her opinion matters, but she is also only six.”

He is quiet for a few moments. “That’s—I read a while ago that certain animals and people can sense the energy of others. Like when a dog barks at someone who has bad intentions.” He pauses, considering his next words. “Kids were also included. They can see things other people can’t. They can tell when people aren’t good.” He sighs, frustrated. “I feel unbelievably stupid buying into this but—but what if she can sense I’m not a good person?” he finally asks.

Your heart drops. He sounds so worried that he may never gain the affections and acceptance of your daughter. Simon has never told you much of his old job, but you know it left him with scars, mentally, emotionally, and physically. And now he is afraid your daughter can tell he has done bad things in his life.