If a husband and wife can't agree on getting a pet what do you do?

Question

If you don't get it the one that said "No" wins and that's not fair!

Answer 1

Consider this example:

One person wants to have sex... the other says "no"

I think you know which answer is best.


Thinking of things as "winning" or "losing" is not going to make for a happy, healthy relationship... I would recommend a family/marriage tharapist if you really can't come to some kind of compromise.

Answer 2

Well, it also isn't fair to bring a pet into the house that your partner doesn't want because the decision affects them as well. I think that in such situations, it should become something of a negotiation - first step is to understand why the other person feels the way the do. You can't negotiate effectively if you don't know what the other person wants.

So find out what the objections are - allergies, noise, smell, who will end up caring for the pet, general dislike of the animal. Then, come up with a solution that suites both of you.

Once you know the reasons, then odds are you can reach a compromise. If one spouse catagorically refuses to "allow" the other to have a pet, then it sounds like they have control issues...

Answer 3

Don't bring another creature into your life until you can both agree, for the animal's sake. It will end up mistreated, unwanted, and may become a huge source/catalyst of discomfort and dissatisfaction in your marriage.

Otherwise, I would say try to compromise on some arrangement (what kind of a pet do they not want? are fish okay?) and listen to the other person, even if they aren't in agreement with you.

Your marriage should be more important that simply getting what you want.

Answer 4

You're right! The one that doesn't want the pet has the distinct advantage in this situation. I'd wait about six months and bring it up for discussion again. There is the option of getting a small pet such as a hamster. But to get a large pet when one person doesn't want that pet is setting yourself up for trouble. Good luck to you!

Answer 5

Well, my parents went through this one and my mom said no, no dog, but my dad went ahead and got me a dog when i was a freshman in high school. She was mad, in fact my dad called her on our way home from getting the puppy, and told my mom said :Now don't be mad..." But in the end, she didn't really care and she loves that dog more than any of us I'm sure. So I would say it really just depends on the individuals involved but I wouldn't reccomend doing what my dad did. I honestly think its best to come to an agreement first before making a decision otherwise you are asking for an argument and trouble.

Answer 6

Life isn't fair. Be happy that you have a husband. There are many lonely people. Why doesn't your husband want a pet? If he doesn't like pets, then don't make him feel uncomfortable.

Answer 7

Well according to Cosmo she should dump the man because he is demonstrating he can think for himself. Since they are married she can get a minimum of 50% of his assetts so then she can by all the pets she wants and not have to work, just find another guy.

Answer 8

Make a list of all of the pros and cons about getting the pet. If you can't compromise over something as small as this, you may a future full of arguments.

Answer 9

Don't get one and then in about 6 months discuss the issue again. Remember, an agreement is NOT winning.

Answer 10

Husband is the head of the household and two of you talk it out and come to an agreement. Do a toss up and see who wins. I hope you the best.