Singles hold general and specific frustrations when it comes to dating. Be it an abundance of options - which one would reasonably conclude that choice should be a positive factor in romance, and just about everything else for that matter, but… - the population of their surrounding zip codes, their proximity to like-minded people they could possibly date, and the unfulfilling but necessary avenue to meet others on the dating market because people rarely chat up a stranger: dating apps. With those obstacles to consider and more, many have removed their dating résumés from consideration and given their attention to their cats and dogs.
A great NY Times article that I recently read addressed the real impact that the current dating market has on singles. (Here’s a link but it’s behind a paywall. I was able to read it for free on my cell.) A neat summary would explain the piece as such: While the singles in the story are all open to finding love with a human companion, they receive every bit of fulfillment in their lives through their personal connection with their steady partners.
The ones on four legs who greet them after a long day at work. Excitedly. Their housemate who always wants them around, loves relaxing in silence on the couch without talking over a major plot turn of their favorite show, and the only arguments arise on who’s picking up the shit.
I added the last one. If you’ve read me for a while, you’re aware of what you’re getting from this space.
The piece was kind and direct. It was also a window into the lives of people who haven’t tied their whole identity around trying to fit into someone else’s view of a suitable (human) partner.
The article got me thinking about pet owners that build their lives around their pets - and how that influences their approach towards dating overall. Their four-legged roomie isn’t just renting space in the spare bedroom, pillow bed in the corner of the home office, living room, or the sleeping space next to them.
They’re full-fledged members of the family.
Date the human. Inherit the step-pet. Those are the terms. The fresh-out-of-the-wrapping romantic partner has to woo both in order for the relationship to have any shot at all. Be prepared to work double-shifts.
A Forbes Advisor survey of 10,000 dog owners studied how pet parenthood influenced vital aspects of their lives. One major lifestyle sacrifice - of many - made by them revealed that 6.78% of the participants ended a romantic relationship when their significant other didn’t like their dog.
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