New Again Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 When you are dating someone, whether seriously or not, do you ever notice how they treat their pets and think it reflects on how they would be as a parent? Just curious...
Andy_K Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 I've never equated it to parenting, but I've always thought how someone treats animals is a good indication of their general character. Consequently, I wouldn't date anyone who's cruel to animals, and being really good with them is worth bonus points.
lilbunny Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 I think if it is in someone's nature to abuse and neglect an animal that is dependent on them and weaker than them, then I would wonder what else they are capable of. There has been research into the correlation between neglecting pets and children, and in many cases both are present in these households. I wouldn't be against dating someone who wasn't keen or interested in keeping animals, I would not have anything to do with someone I felt was mistreating an animal in their care.
Cee Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 I don't think love of animals correlates well with parenting. My friend is great with his cat and other animals, but he is vehemently against having children. He doesn't like kids at all. My sister got a dog with her husband. She doesn't like the dog and her husband is the primary caretaker. On the other hand, she is one of the best mothers I have ever known. She is so patient and loving towards her children. Naturally, I think animal abuse is a massive red flag & immediate dealbreaker.
machiavellian Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 When I see guys with dogs I do tend to think how they treat and care for their dogs is indicative of how they would be with children. Maybe that's an erroneous association on my part, but it's there nonetheless. Example, a guy who has a spoiled dog and who doesn't enforce rules and boundaries with the dog makes me think he would be a permissive parent and spoil his children and would lack the ability to discipline them.
AverageJoe Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 When I see guys with dogs I do tend to think how they treat and care for their dogs is indicative of how they would be with children. Maybe that's an erroneous association on my part, but it's there nonetheless. Example, a guy who has a spoiled dog and who doesn't enforce rules and boundaries with the dog makes me think he would be a permissive parent and spoil his children and would lack the ability to discipline them. This. And to the OP it happens all the time. I know women that have done the contrast of suitors and pets in regards to behavior. I think it is a rediculous notion, but it is what it is. If a gal compares me to pet on the basis of future parental skills. I am OUT. Big big big red flag. I once went out with a gal, to sum it up, placed the value of her pet over the value of other people. She had some delusion that her pet was in some way human. I was OUT. Its funny you started this topic because I watch for this kind of thing very closely.
FL Lady Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 When you are dating someone, whether seriously or not, do you ever notice how they treat their pets and think it reflects on how they would be as a parent? Just curious... YES YES YES It denotes their level of humanity. A great early detector of their heart and genuine compassion for living beings. YES. - as soon as a guy says blows off my pets, he is out the door. Literally. No joke.
FL Lady Posted October 5, 2010 Posted October 5, 2010 When you are dating someone, whether seriously or not, do you ever notice how they treat their pets and think it reflects on how they would be as a parent? Just curious... YES YES YES It denotes their level of humanity. A great early detector of their heart and genuine compassion for living beings. YES. - as soon as a guy blows off my pets, he is out the door. Literally. No joke.
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