It may sound like a joke, but 1 in 3 women were not kidding when they said their pets listen to them better than their husbands. A recent poll released by the Associated Press - Petside.com shows that many women have taken to airing their grievances to the family cat or dog as an alternative to talking to their spouse because they feel the pets are better at listening.
A recent article from USA Today discusses the findings of the poll and points out that 18 percent of men also felt their pets were better listeners than their wives. Pet owner Christina Holmdahl rationalizes why she chooses to talk out her problems with her pets rather than her husband. Holmdahl says, "We all say stuff we don’t mean when we are upset about stuff. When we have time to talk it out and rationalize it, we can think about it better and we can calm down and see both sides better."
It seems some women are using their cuddly companions as a way to vent much like one would talk with a therapist. When it comes to which animals are the best listeners, dogs have it. The poll found that 25 percent of dog owners said their pooch was a better listener than their spouse while only 14 percent of cat owners made this claim.
Pet psychologist and veterinarian, Karen Sueda, talks about why communicating with a pet can serve as a kind of therapy for people. Sueda says, "Pets are great because they provide us with unconditional support. They never talk back, never give us the wrong opinion and they are always there for us. As much as we love our spouses or significant other, sometimes they are not there... And sometimes, especially when its a husband or male significant other, they want to solve the problem rather than just listening to the problem."
What do you think of the poll that found 1 in 3 women think their pet is a better listener than their husband?
Do you ever air your grievances to the family pet rather than your significant other?
i never talk to my pet but i do have to say that if you are sad just having them cuddle next to you seems to help
gardengenie::
on May 19, 2010
I'm pretty lucky, my husband's a very good listener. That's the area I have to work on . . . hmmm... wonder if he talks to the dog? :)
supermommy828::
on May 19, 2010
i have two dogs and i dont think i have ever found myself talking to them. i have talked out loud about frustrations while they are present and have stolen a glance to see their reaction or a supportive look, but if i want to solve anything i need to speak to my husband who can actually contribute against a non verbal animal with whom i'm just seeking subconscious agreement from.
Madeline::
on May 19, 2010
I know you are going to think this is crazy, but sometimes I think with the current conditions in our counrty it would be better just to have "4 legged children" rather than 2 legged ones! Although I do have 2 grown children, I currently have a pet rat and a bengal cat that serve as my "babies" and yes I talk to them all the time. My cat even has time outs when he is naughty!
vangele::
on May 20, 2010
Wow - I can't believe someone else prays with their pets! The Bible says to "preach the gospel to ALL CREATURES" so I take that literally! I love my Miniature Pinscher as I would my own child and she is my main companion other than my spouse. I love to talk to her and watch her cock her head as she hears familiar words.
missdaisymae::
on Jul 14, 2010
I love my doggie and we talk everyday! Of course she is a great listener, and she always offers her unconditional love. That's what is so great about dogs and other pets; they always love and understand you no matter what, and you can always count on them for support and comfort even in the worst of times and even if you're wrong. :)
Nichole32now::
on Jul 27, 2010
My Daisy helped get me through the worst break up of my life. She knows when I'm down and comes to give hugs and kisses. She never lets me be a couch potato lol she brings me her toys till I break down and play. Then next thing I know I'm laughing and in a much better mood.
