Why do some people prefer living with the pets over living with another human being?

Question

Do they not find love for another in their heart? Just curious!

So, on one thing we all agree. That pets are non-judgemental and free with their unconditional love. Does that make them superior to humans in humaneness?

Thank you very much, QT. It takes very little to put my smile back and in that I AM like a pet...I also grew up with 'ridiculous' no. of siblings (6 incl. me) but felt no need for pets. We had difference of opinions, fights and what not, since each was different from the other, but when one was hurt we all would cry as one. That's unconditional love for me & that's how I learnt to co-exist with other humans. Your answer is thoughtful as ever (you can never be silly, however hard you may try!)

And I don't doubt for a moment that people keeping pets are devoid of love. Adding a pet in your family is, in fact, quite wholesome, and I am sure our learned (psychologist) friend, Valac Gypsy, would readily agree!

My query was directed towards those who like to live alone with the pets and Dr. Watson has answered for them beautifully, capturing all the points esp. the last paragraph. It does take hard work to make relationships work...

Answer 1

Well, first off, most of the couples I know also have pets.

And many people would prefer to have a human mate in their lives if it were possible. Finding a human mate you can share the rest of your life with is a lot harder than finding a dog or cat. Many people do try and end up making unwise choices that lead to heartache and divorce.

What many people never learn (until it's too late if they learn at all) is being 'in love' isn't enough. You better 'like' the person you end up with because, in the long run, liking lasts a lot longer than being 'in love' with someone.

Living with another human requires a lot more on our part than keeping a pet and, honestly, many have become too selfish or self-centered or too lazy to make the effort to have a human relationship work. So they settle for pets.

Answer 2

I think that the life of the ferret or snake has no much more value than the mouse's life. I think it is very wrong to do this to a living,breathing creature. The mouse's life has value, and it was not made to be food. I totally agree that this is wrong. And I quote you "the mouse has no escape!!! Yet it goes through pain,fear,trying to escape, which is impossible" and that is so true, the poor thing has no control, over it's own life! Animal cruelty is WRONG! I can't stand the evil people who do this to living creatures!

Answer 3

ValacGypsy and DocWatson have proven the best points so far.
I agree with what they've both said and I agree that it is easier to get on with animals/pets because no matter what happens they always stay faithful with you unlike certain humans.
By certain humans I mean people who were your friends at first or who you thought were good friends, turning around and betraying you.
I know all about betrayal, I've been throught it and so has everyone else.
And, what I've found out is my pets and animals have always been non-judgemental.
My family and true friends etc have helped as well of course.

Answer 4

Animals are “more humane” than Humans? Isn’t it *my* job to be ironic? ;-)

Animals sense and respond to emotion, but only another Person can hope to comprehend a Person’s thought pattern. A pet provides comfort, and does so without being asked, but it’s not true compassion. There’s no substitute for hearing someone say, “I know what happened, and you were right” or “I know who you are, and I love you anyway”.

I’m sure there are people who have grown tired of Humanity’s cruel tendencies, and retreated into the love of animals. They’re probably secretly hoping for someone to pull them back. And, in general, I don’t think having pets is “settling”, or in any way meant to replace Human interaction. I grew up with a ridiculous number of siblings, and we still always had pets. Our furrier friends are ego-free. They not only grant us unconditional acceptance, but they also allow *us* to provide care for *them*. They fill basic needs.

As for whether pets are a sign of inability to love, I think they are more indicative of the opposite desire. To me, a person with a pet is demonstrating that he or she has love to bestow.

In fact, (and I shouldn’t have to tell you this, as eternal optimism is *your* job) EVERYONE has love to give—even those who can’t keep a plant alive. And personally, I’m delighted to behold Love in all its little forms. :-)



And if this little song doesn’t cleanse that unaccustomed spot of skepticism from your soul, it will at least, by virtue of ridiculous attire, make you smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTa8U0Wa0q8

Answer 5

It's a totally different kind of love, & people are different. One can love a human, & still want their "space." Humans aren't quite so good at this, & tend to nitpick & fuss too much with one another. My feline companion is never critical, always loving & in a good mood. We have perfect harmony. It seems that an increasing number of people prefer their animal companions to live with, but this doesn't mean they have no love in their hearts for humans!

Answer 6

Pets provide you with unconditional love. UNCONDITIONAL. YOu can be fat, smell bad, and even be as mean as you want to be and they will love you anyway. they are always happy to see you. They are always there. this is what has been lacking in human relationships. they do not judge you, argue with you or make you feel bad. they just love and want to be near you. What is better than that?

Answer 7

Humans are usually morons and animals are cute and fuzzy.

I'll take my cat or my wife any day of the week.

Answer 8

Pets love unconditionally. They don't care how you look, what you weigh, where you work, how you dress...they love to be with you just because you're there.

Answer 9

It's pitiful really.. they don't have the endurance or the social skills to live with another human being.. I feel sad for those types of people.

Answer 10

Easy really,as they're allways happy to see you and they don't question you at length when you roll in at 4am let alone argue.