"That's what my mother did. And my father was the first person she'd met who treated her kindly. She was terrified of men, and she married a very meek, kind, dear man. And she had the upper hand. She ruled the roost"

In the supplied quote by Lynn Johnston, the speaker assesses the characteristics of their moms and dads' relationship, clarifying styles of power, worry, and compassion. The quote starts by highlighting the mother's history and how it influenced her option in a partner. Mentioning that the speaker's mom was "frightened of men", suggests a past filled with negative experiences, potentially including abuse or overlook, which formed her perception of guys as threatening.

The daddy, on the other hand, is referred to as "the first individual she 'd met who treated her kindly", indicating a stark contrast to her previous experiences. This recommends that her decision to marry him was significantly influenced by the kindness she discovered in him, a trait she maybe viewed as vital for overcoming her fears and building a safe relationship. This can indicate the concept that her option was more about finding security and comfort instead of enthusiasm or mutual destination.

The description of the daddy as a "meek, kind, dear man" suggests a mild and non-confrontational nature, contrasting with stereotypical patriarchal or dominant male roles. By describing him this way, the quote suggests the gender role reversal in their relationship, where the mother, driven by her prior fears, presumes a dominant role. "She had the upper hand" and "ruled the roost" recommend that she maintained control and authority within the family.

This power dynamic can be interpreted as a protective system for the mother, guaranteeing she felt protected and not at the grace of another possibly overbearing figure. It speaks with how personal history and injury can shape relationship characteristics, triggering people to look for partners who offer peace of mind and safety over more conventional power structures in marital relationship. Ultimately, this quote highlights the intricacy of human relationships, especially how previous experiences affect present options and interactions.