Man Cries Out As Wife Is So Blinded By Love For Dogs That She Fails To See Harm It's Causing Her Family
It's a common belief, but not always accurate—at least not always—that there can never be too much of a good thing. There is a point at which having too many pets in one home is possible.
The answer to the question of how many dogs there are probably depends on your household. The OP and his wife have been together for 7 years.
She has a son from a previous relationship, and they have a daughter together. OP's wife is very much an animal person and always has been.
She’s also a “vegetarian” who wants to go “vegan” in order to not partake in “animal slavery and murder,” and as you can imagine, this means that the whole family is "vegetarian,” and she wants them to go vegan too. In the 7 years that they've been together, they have had 6 dogs.
The OP has been bitten seven times; his stepson has been bitten five times, but his daughter hasn’t been bitten yet. This is because the OP is never too far from her and always keeps an eye on how the dogs are acting at the time so that he can anticipate any problems that might arise.
On top of all these, OP's wife still wants to get another dog, despite everything the dogs have made them pass through. Keep scrolling down to read the entire story for yourself.
The OP kicks off his story
The other dogs have come and gone, depending on how problematic they’ve been
The fights escalated to the same intensity as the other ones
Prioritizing Family Needs
In relationships, prioritizing the needs of family members while also considering personal emotions can be challenging. Research shows that when one partner feels overshadowed by the needs of pets, it can lead to significant relational strain.
In this case, the husband's feelings of neglect due to the wife's prioritization of dogs may indicate deeper issues of emotional support and attention within the relationship.
The OP knew it was only a matter of time before his wife asked for a dog
Honestly, the OP doesn’t mind giving the dogs a treat like that once in a while
They already have two dogs, they just lost one a few weeks back, and they should save money instead
Attachment theory suggests that individuals often seek emotional connections in different ways, which can lead to conflicts when those needs aren't met. Dr. John Bowlby's research emphasizes that secure attachment fosters healthy relationships, while insecure attachment can lead to feelings of neglect and resentment.
This dynamic may be at play in the husband's feelings of being put second to the dogs.
The OP summarizes the entire story saying:
Two dogs in the house, one recently died, wife wants another. Six dogs in Seven years…a dozen bites…(almost) zero respect?
As usual, the comments roll in their hundreds and here's a bunch of them
The problem should be in their training
She sounds like she could be an animal hoarder
The Importance of Communication
Open communication is essential for resolving relational conflicts, especially in situations involving competing priorities. Couples should engage in honest discussions about their feelings regarding pets and how these feelings impact their relationship.
Research in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that couples who practice transparent communication experience greater satisfaction and emotional connection.
What the OP should tell his wife instead
The dogs might even outweigh the OP's daughter
Why would she pay for animals to be bred just so she can have the one she wants
To address this issue, the couple might consider setting aside dedicated time for each other, ensuring that both partners feel valued and respected. This can involve creating a schedule that prioritizes quality time together, independent of pet responsibilities.
By fostering intentional connection, couples can rebuild emotional intimacy and strengthen their bond.
If you want to get a dog, or several dogs, you will need to be sure you have the space for them, the time to provide them with the care they require, and the means to feed them. This simple response, of course, doesn't fully address the situation, but it's a decent place to start.
Redditors pointed out that the OP doesn't have a dog problem but a wife problem. She's so self-absorbed that she can't see what she's doing to the OP, her kids, or the dogs.
Balancing Responsibilities
Balancing responsibilities in relationships is crucial for maintaining harmony. Studies suggest that couples who share chores and responsibilities equitably tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
In this case, discussing how to manage pet-related tasks could help both partners feel more invested in their relationship and less resentful towards each other's priorities.
Psychological Analysis
This situation underscores the importance of balancing personal needs with family responsibilities. Both partners must communicate their feelings openly to navigate this complex dynamic effectively.
In doing so, they can prioritize their relationship while also honoring their commitments to pets and family.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the dynamics of prioritizing family versus personal needs is essential for relationship health. Effective communication and shared responsibilities can significantly improve relational satisfaction, as supported by research.
By addressing underlying emotional concerns, couples can foster deeper connections and create a supportive environment for both partners.
Share this article:
