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Who is CJ’s Girlfriend? Exploring Romance in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

CJ, or Carl Johnson, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, doesn’t have just one girlfriend. He can have up to six girlfriends throughout the game. Two of these relationships are woven directly into the storyline: Denise Robinson and Millie Perkins. The other four – Helena Wankstein, Michelle Cannes, Barbara Schternvart, and Katie Zhan – are optional relationships that players can pursue by finding them at specific locations around San Andreas. Each girlfriend has their own unique personality, preferences, and benefits for CJ.

The Six Ladies of San Andreas

Let’s delve into each of CJ’s potential love interests in more detail:

Denise Robinson: CJ meets Denise during the “Burning Desire” mission. She lives in Ganton, Los Santos, near Grove Street. Dating Denise is almost like a tutorial for the dating mechanic, as she’s not too picky. She enjoys cruising around her neighborhood and visiting local eateries. Reaching certain milestones with Denise unlocks the Hustler car and the Pimp Suit.
Millie Perkins: A key part of the “Key to Her Heart” mission, Millie lives in Prickle Pine, Las Venturas. This relationship is necessary to progress the storyline. She has a kinky side, and CJ needs to play along to win her over. She enjoys dates between 12:00 and 22:00, loves visiting bars and restaurants, and prefers a moderate driving pace.
Helena Wankstein: This gun-loving lawyer resides on a farm in Flint Range, Flint County. You can find her near the Ammu-Nation store in Blueberry. To date Helena, CJ must have low fat and high muscle stats, which creates a humorous dynamic. She appreciates fast driving and will let CJ use the toolshed at her farm after a certain level of progress.
Michelle Cannes: A mechanic, Michelle can be found inside the driving school in Doherty, San Fierro. She’s independent and assertive, and CJ needs to match her energy. She likes dining out and prefers to drive at a reasonable speed. Dating Michelle grants CJ access to her auto repair shop, a convenient perk.
Barbara Schternvart: Barbara is a sheriff’s deputy located outside the sheriff’s building in El Quebrados, The desert. She values punctuality and hates it when CJ is late for a date. Taking her out on enjoyable dates gives you her police cruiser, which is incredibly beneficial for avoiding the cops.
Katie Zhan: A nurse who lives in Juniper Hollow, San Fierro, near the golf course. CJ meets her there and it is important that CJ must have high muscle and low fat stats to impress her. Dating Katie offers a significant advantage: she provides free medical care after CJ is busted, meaning he doesn’t lose his weapons.

Benefits of Dating

Dating girlfriends in GTA: San Andreas isn’t just about romance; it comes with tangible benefits:

Vehicle Access: Each girlfriend provides access to a unique vehicle, which can be incredibly useful for transportation or evading the authorities.
Clothing: Reaching 100% progress with a girlfriend unlocks a special outfit.
Special Abilities: Katie offers free hospital visits, saving CJ money and weapons. Michelle allows free access to her auto body shop to fix your car, whilst Barbara, a sheriffs deputy, let you avoid having to pay a bribe.
Story Progression: Millie is required to progress the story.
Overall Completion: Dating all the girlfriends contributes to 100% completion of the game.

Finding the Right Girl

Finding each girlfriend involves locating them at their specific locations, often at certain times of the day. It’s important to remember that CJ’s appearance (fat, muscle, and sex appeal stats) can influence whether a potential girlfriend is interested in him.

Dating Activities

Each girlfriend has preferences for date locations and activities. Common date activities include:

Restaurants: Taking them out to eat at various diners and restaurants around San Andreas.
Bars: Hitting the local bars for drinks and entertainment.
Dancing: Showing off your dance moves at clubs.
Driving Around: Taking them for a drive, respecting their preferred driving style.

Failing to meet their expectations can result in a lower relationship percentage, while successful dates increase it.

The Social Commentary

The dating system in GTA: San Andreas, like much of the game, offers a satirical commentary on relationships and social dynamics. Each girlfriend represents a different archetype, and the gameplay mechanics highlight the often-superficial nature of dating.

Exploring Gender and Gaming

The portrayal of women and relationships in games like GTA: San Andreas is an ongoing discussion within the gaming community and academic circles. It raises important questions about representation, stereotypes, and the impact of games on players’ perceptions of gender roles and relationships. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org fosters research and discussion around the pedagogical and social impacts of gaming, providing valuable insights into topics like these.

FAQs About CJ’s Girlfriends

1. How many girlfriends can CJ have simultaneously?

CJ can have up to six girlfriends in GTA: San Andreas, but he can only actively date one at a time. Dating too many at once can lead to complications, such as being stood up or having your progress reset.

2. Does CJ have to date all the girlfriends to complete the game?

No, dating all the girlfriends isn’t required to complete the main storyline, but it is necessary to achieve 100% completion of the game.

3. What happens if CJ mistreats his girlfriend?

If CJ repeatedly mistreats his girlfriend by being late, taking her to undesirable locations, or driving recklessly, she will become unhappy. This will lead to a decrease in the relationship percentage, and she may eventually break up with him.

4. Can CJ get married in GTA: San Andreas?

No, CJ cannot get married in GTA: San Andreas. While he can build relationships with the girlfriends, the game does not include a marriage mechanic.

5. What is the best girlfriend for CJ in GTA: San Andreas?

The “best” girlfriend is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences and play style. Katie Zhan is arguably the most beneficial due to her free hospital visits, while others may prefer the unique vehicles and perks offered by other girlfriends.

6. What happens if CJ’s girlfriend dies?

If CJ’s girlfriend dies, she is gone permanently. The only way to get her back is to reload a previous save.

7. Is Denise from GTA: San Andreas the same as Franklin’s aunt in GTA 5?

There is a theory circulating that Franklin’s aunt Denise in GTA 5 is the same Denise as CJ’s girlfriend from San Andreas. However, this is purely speculation, and there is no official confirmation from Rockstar Games. It could be an easter egg referencing GTA: San Andreas.

8. How do I increase my relationship progress with a girlfriend?

To increase relationship progress, take your girlfriend on successful dates. This includes taking her to places she enjoys, driving at a speed she prefers, and avoiding any actions that would upset her. Regularly visiting her and spending time together is key.

9. What are the preferred date locations for each girlfriend?

Each girlfriend has different preferences for date locations:

Denise: Local diners and cruising around Ganton.
Millie: Bars and restaurants in Las Venturas.
Helena: Fast driving outside of the city.
Michelle: Regular restaurants.
Barbara: Restaurants in her area.
Katie: Golf club and local restaurants.

10. Does CJ’s appearance affect his chances of getting a girlfriend?

Yes, CJ’s appearance, specifically his fat, muscle, and sex appeal stats, can influence whether a potential girlfriend is interested in him. Some girlfriends prefer CJ to be muscular, while others prefer him to be slim.

11. Can I use cheat codes to improve my relationships with girlfriends?

While some cheat codes can affect CJ’s appearance or attributes, there are no specific cheat codes to directly improve relationships with girlfriends. You’ll need to earn their affection through gameplay.

12. What happens when I reach 100% progress with a girlfriend?

When you reach 100% progress with a girlfriend, she will give CJ a special reward, such as a unique outfit or access to her vehicle.

13. Can CJ break up with a girlfriend?

Yes, CJ can break up with a girlfriend by neglecting the relationship or treating her poorly. She will eventually become unhappy and end the relationship herself.

14. Is it possible to date Catalina in GTA: San Andreas?

You only “loosely date” Catalina as part of the story, however, you can not actively date her like the other girl-friends you can acquire in the game.

15. What happens if I try to date a girlfriend at the wrong time?

If you try to date a girlfriend at the wrong time, she may not be available, or she may be upset that you didn’t schedule the date properly. This can negatively impact your relationship progress.

Who is CJ’s girlfriend?