Don's Choice: Abstaining From Joan

In the critically acclaimed series Mad Men, Don and Joan's relationship is one of mutual respect and admiration. Despite Joan's attraction to Don, their connection remains platonic. Don sees Joan as a maternal figure, and their dynamic is more akin to a close friendship. Additionally, Don respects Joan too much to risk violating their relationship with sexual involvement, especially given his history of philandering with other colleagues. Their relationship is further complicated by Don's awareness of Roger's feelings for Joan, which may also deter him from making any romantic advances.

Don saw Joan as a maternal figure

Don Draper's relationship with Joan Holloway in the TV series *Mad Men* is one of trust, respect, and mutual admiration. Don never sleeps with Joan because he sees her as a maternal figure.

Don Draper is a complex character with a troubled past. He had a difficult relationship with his parents and seeks parental figures in other characters, including Joan. He respects Joan and is intimidated by her, and their connection is platonic. Don's respect for Joan is evident in his confession to her that he was scared of her when he started working at Sterling Cooper.

Joan is extremely competent, able to handle any situation with professionalism and discretion, while also being the pinnacle of femininity and charm. She is Don's senior at the office and often acts as a mentor to him, offering advice and solutions to his problems. She is also older than Don, which may contribute to his perception of her as a maternal figure.

Don's history with women is fraught with complexity. He has a history of philandering with coworkers and sleeping with clients and secretaries. However, he also has a history of being taken advantage of and has struggled with intimacy due to his troubled past. Don's mother was a prostitute who died in childbirth, and he changed his identity to escape that history. Despite this, he often recreates it in his relationships with women, such as his wife Anna, who was living off his money and serving his needs.

Don's relationship with Joan is unique compared to his other relationships. He does not see her as a potential romantic or sexual partner because she occupies a different role in his life. She is a source of support, advice, and mentorship, and he values their platonic connection.

In conclusion, Don Draper's relationship with Joan Holloway is based on trust, respect, and admiration. He sees her as a maternal figure and a source of support rather than a romantic or sexual partner. Their dynamic is platonic, and Don values their connection because she helps him navigate his personal and professional life.

Don respected Joan too much

Don Draper and Joan Holloway's relationship in the critically acclaimed series *Mad Men* is one of mutual trust, respect, and admiration. Don's respect for Joan is multi-faceted and rooted in their shared history.

Firstly, Don and Joan have a long-standing professional relationship. Joan was Don's superior when he started working at Sterling Cooper, and she continues to be a highly competent and respected partner at the firm. Don acknowledges and respects Joan's expertise and capabilities, especially in comparison to his other colleagues.

Secondly, Don sees Joan as a maternal figure. She takes care of him and has solutions to his problems. Don's difficult relationship with his parents and his past trauma involving a prostitute who cared for him when he was sick may have contributed to this perception. Don doesn't want to violate one of the few relationships where he has placed true confidence.

Thirdly, Don respects Joan's insights into his character. Joan, along with Peggy, has an uncanny ability to see through Don's charming exterior and understand what he is really like. This perception may have made Don hesitant to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship with Joan.

Finally, Don's respect for Joan is evident in how he values her opinion and advice. When Joan advises him to pursue a business opportunity with Honda, despite Roger's anti-Japanese sentiments, Don listens to her. Don also seeks out Joan's company and support during challenging times, such as when he is struggling with his divorce from Betty.

In conclusion, Don's respect for Joan encompasses both her professional capabilities and her personal qualities. This respect forms the foundation of their relationship and may have been a significant factor in why Don never pursued a sexual relationship with her.

Don was aware of Roger's feelings for Joan

Don's awareness of Roger's feelings for Joan may have been a factor in his decision to never act on his attraction to her. In addition, Don saw Joan as a maternal figure and their connection was platonic, despite her flirtations. He respected her and was intimidated by her, and he did not want to violate the few relationships where he placed true confidence. Don also had a history of philandering with co-workers, but he never made a move on Joan, possibly due to his awareness of Roger's feelings and out of respect for his friend.

Furthermore, Don was looking for something in the women he slept with, and Joan did not fill that void for him. She, too, recognised this, stating that Don was "looking for his [type]".

Don didn't want to ruin their platonic relationship

Don Draper and Joan Holloway's relationship in Mad Men is one of mutual respect and admiration. Don always saw Joan as a maternal figure, and their connection was platonic. Don respected Joan too much to sleep with her and ruin their relationship.

Don had a difficult relationship with his parents and sought parental figures in other older characters, including Joan. She was a figure of stability and true confidence for him. If he slept with her, he would have violated one of the few relationships where he felt he could truly confide in someone. Don's respect for Joan was evident from the beginning of their working relationship, and he even admitted to being scared of her.

Their relationship was also professional, with Don intimidated by Joan's extreme competence and ability to handle any situation with professionalism and discretion. Joan was the office manager and advised Don when he first started working at Sterling Cooper. She was also the number one source of advice for the young women in the office, including Peggy Olson, who Don would later have a relationship with.

Don and Joan's relationship was also marked by mutual fear, with Don admitting that Joan scared him. This fear may have been another reason why Don never wanted to ruin their platonic relationship.

Don's relationships with other women in the office, such as his secretary, Allison, were drunken hook-ups. However, his relationship with Joan was based on a deep mutual respect, and he did not want to jeopardise this.

Don was looking for something in the women he slept with that Joan didn't have

Don Draper's relationship with Joan Holloway in the TV series *Mad Men* is one of trust, respect, and mutual admiration. However, despite the obvious sexual tension between them, they never act on their attraction and Don never sleeps with Joan.

According to the show's creator, Matt Weiner, Don is "looking for his [ideal] in the women he sleeps with". Joan simply doesn't fit that mould. From Don's perspective, she is a maternal figure, and their connection is platonic. He respects Joan too much to sleep with her, and he never plays along with her flirting.

Don has a history of philandering with co-workers, clients, and secretaries, but he draws the line at Joan. He is intimidated by her and even afraid of her, perhaps because she sees through him and he knows she is too wise about office politics. Don also doesn't want to violate one of the few relationships where he has true confidence and respect.

Additionally, Don might not sleep with Joan because he is aware of Roger Sterling's feelings for her and doesn't want to upset his friend and colleague.

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