What does it mean for a relationship when a couple acquires a pet?

[Anonymous]

What does it mean for a relationship when a couple acquires a pet?

[OlderAndWiser]

If a couple is in their childbearing years, it can be a dress rehearsal for having a child, or it could simply be a fondness for cats or dogs and desire to have a pet. For older couples, sometimes a pet helps to fill the void in the empty nest syndrome.

[lightbulb27]

trial balloon for baby. Can create challenges in bedroom. My unfortunate neighbor has 6 cats and smells awful, I couldn't do it and I like cats and dogs.

[Asker]

Do you feel that the total time living together is a notable factor?

[lightbulb27]

pls clarify, not clear on what you are asking.

[Asker]

Would the duration of time the couple was living under the same roof matter?

[lightbulb27]

yes, I think there are stages to life and relationships. Tehre's infatuation, then working through the who does what/give and take and stress, babies... a lot bomb out right there under new stress load of needy kids and dealing with their own stuff. Then get past that, mature balance, and it may be an awful balance, sometimes a good one.

I speak from observation, that's not science fact. a couple might get pet immediately due to one person always having or wanting pets. Other may object, tolerate, be allergic. It's a test of compatibility. The scenario where one has to have a cat and the other is allergic is an obvious.. problem and blew up a relationship I saw (or helped). Anther one I've seen... she was a clean freak allergic to cats... they were married for 15yrs, he got a cat, then they agreed to get 3 more cats... but he's not really into the maintenance required. Suffice to say I have hard time breathing in their house, I feel bad for both esp her, she gave up trying to get him to change... people don't change very easy. That's bad! see the problems:) and we aren't even int he human domain of... how will child be disciplined, what church they go to if any, can they play video games, who spanks/not spank, etc.. I've seen a course for parents to take on how to raise kids... I think every couple should do that work, should be college level credit.

[StingRayxoxo]

We got kitties together! We were only supposed to get one but we couldn't resist getting two. They play together and sleep together... and if we don't get them fixed... uh oh.
We have been living together for a month.

[smg99]

That either or both are sterile and cannot conceive children.

[slatyb]

Usually it means they are avoiding the serious conversations they should be having about the future of the relationship. Owning a pet together is not going to make a reluctant person more likely to marry.

[JudgmentDay]

In some cases couples that are childfree and don't ever want kids would rather raise pets together instead. It's an alternative that's most suitable for them.

[Shutupman]

You are committed to one another. I personally would not compare this to preparing for kids. That’s why you get a dog or a cat, they are much better than kids 😂.

[BrittBratt2416]

They are animal people. I love cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, etc. They are all cute to me. My fiance just likes dogs.

[MusicMayhem]

This 🤣🤣

[rjroy3]

Either a happy mistake or an added positive to the relationship

[HOAAH]

When my husband and I got a plant, my husband's said it was training for a kid... we never really got pets because we aren't into that.

[boggboss]

Nothing it's just somthing that may happen but it don't really mean anything just a expression of feelings

[Asker]

Expression of feelings?

[boggboss]

A way to express how you feel by creating names you two have given to each other

[TheOneAndOnlySimon]

I think you're thinking of pet names, where the asker means a literal pet such as a cat or dog.

[Sensmind]

Usually a sign of the settling down stage beginning - Thinking of nights in than nights out

[Asker]

Do you feel that the total time living together is a notable factor?

[Sensmind]

Actually I would be more observant of the quality over quantity of time spent together while living together is usually a sign of a developed relationship, each couples dynamic is different - There is no right or wrong answer to any situation within a relationship if it feels good, enjoy it - If its slightly off, is it fixable? - If something wrong, you have a decision to make

[jgokgotit]

If I were to have a pet in a relationship then I am either about to propose or we are already engaged.

[Thatswhyimhere]

That the relationship is getting real. On average dogs and cats live 10-15 years. Plus pets require a lot of commitment. It isn’t something you do if you are looking for a fling.

[Asker]

Do you feel that the total time living together is a notable factor?

[Massageman]

They will have to add a category in their budget for pet care.

[BeHappy1985]

It means that one of them will be stuck with it once things go south.

[skeetskeetskeet]

It means I'm gonna get stuck with a cat at some point

[BlacklightShade]

I means one person wanted a pet.

[Anonymous]

Generally it means the wife wants to go through more peanut butter when you are at work.

[someginger]

You have a child but you can sell it

[AcidT0y]

Means they wanted a pet.

[BeMuse]

It means who ever bought a pet, owns it.

[SexyAshh]

Means its getting serious

[Asker]

Do you feel that the total time living together is a notable factor?

[SexyAshh]

Yes i do, but i also feel like you wouldn't get the pet unless it was serious and just moving fast