tracksofhistory:

“Those who encountered Washington most often described him as reserved, formal, and aloof, a man of “mild gravity” and “stately bearing” who was habitually wary of strangers. Visitors never portrayed him as curt or inhospitable, but none ever said that they felt completely at ease with Washington or claimed to have grown close to him. However, there were two groups with which Washington developed close relationships. He grew near to several of his aides and the Marquis de Lafayette. All were young enough to be his sons and all venerated him. These young men posed no threat to Washington. Blindly loyal, they were acquaintances with whom he could relax and speak with candor. 

Washington was also quite comfortable in the company of women. Perhaps because they too posed no threat to his public position, he permitted women to see a side of him that few men ever witnessed. Several women described Washington’s manner in ways that no man ever suggested. Some commented on his sense of humor, others said he listened to them more attentively than most men, and some portrayed him as cheerful, even playful.”

Setting the World Ablaze by John Ferling