The first episode of How I Met Your Mother’s (HIMYM) sixth season pretty much started where season 5’s finale left off — kind of. The episode starts off at a wedding where future Ted tells his kids that he meets their mother at a wedding where he’s the best man, but not specifying whether or not that wedding that the episode opens with is the wedding he’s talking about. Typical, of course. Flash forward to present day at MacLaren’s and Ted and Barney are arguing over who has dibs. (Spoilers, ahead!)

From this first scene, we learn there’s a lot more thought involved into the function of calling dibs. I only say this because as a woman, it’s pretty rare to argue over who has dibs on guys in social settings. The general, unspoken rule, is pretty much the same as that age-old playground saying, “Finders, keepers — losers…weepers.” It’s much more complicated than that for men.

According to Ted, one can’t call dibs on a girl that a man’s been staring and thinking about. Barney on the other hand, believes that one needs to actually call out, “Dibs!” In comparison, dibs to Ted are implied, whereas dibs for Barney, must be claimed audibly. Just like they did when it all started in 1652 by Sir Dibs. That’s Barney for you.

While at the bar, we also learn a few things about women read books at bars: 1) The book is their shield. 2) Book at Bar = Horny 3. She’s early and brought the book to impress her date on her knowledge. If you’ve guessed number one coming from Ted, number 2 coming from Barney and 3 from Robin, you’re correct. Ladies, don’t bring a book to a bar, it sends mixed signals.

Robin on the other hand doesn’t use a book to put up a shield. Following a messy breakup from season 5, we learn that she spent the summer in slob mode, indulging in food. What better way to cope with a break up? Despite her slovenliness, she proves Barney that she still “has it,” by throwing a dress and make-up on. When you have ‘it,’ you don’t ever lose it. Especially with the right dress and make-up. Fools the guys all the time!

What’s no joke about this episode is that Marshall and Lily are serious about having a baby. If you can recall, the season 5 finale decided their fate. In this episode Lily feels uncomfortable about going public with their baby making efforts because she’s scared she may let Marshall down if she’s unable to conceive. For a lot of women, this is a common concern. Luckily this is an easy way to find out how loyal and how much your man loves you.

For a man who truly loves the woman they are with, this isn’t even a big deal. No sweat, Lily Pad! I mean, let me just quote Marshall: “Not having a baby would suck, but the idea of you letting me down? That’s impossible.”

Sigh.

Back at the bar, Ted reconciles the previous summer’s awkward breakup with Cindy. According to Cindy things are cool now…because she’s actually a lesbian and that day at the bar is definitely not the day that Ted meets his kids’ mother. Already 6 seasons in and we still don’t know! More and more, it seems the writers don’t intend on revealing who the mother is until the day the show ends.

What do you guys think of dibs or shields?

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Stay tuned for next week’s recap of How I Met Your Mother!