The concept of ‘pet parenthood’ has sparked considerable social debate. Many pet owners develop a closer-than-ever bond with their pets, often referring to them as their ‘fur babies’. However, there’s increasing unease within the general public about equating pet ownership with raising a child.
The Debate of Adoption: Pets vs. Children
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An adoptee weighs in on the discussion, finding it somewhat offensive to compare raising a child with owning a pet. They emphasize the importance of language and how it shapes our viewpoints. This perspective serves as a reminder to tread lightly when making comparisons between pet ownership and parenthood.
Facing the Pain of Infertility
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One woman’s story highlights the unintentional hurt that can be caused when pet ownership is compared to having children. After a long and painful journey trying to conceive, a casual comment from a colleague likening pets to kids resulted in an emotional breakdown. Her story is a reminder that each person’s journey is unique, and some topics can touch on deep and personal wounds.
A Shift in Societal Perception
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One individual noticed that what once seemed like a lighthearted joke – considering pets as children – has turned into a more serious attitude. While they remained indifferent, they felt sadness for those who seemed to take the idea too seriously. It reflects the changing societal attitudes toward pets and their role.
Humor As a Coping Mechanism
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Another pet owner made a humorous claim about birthing their cat 15 years ago. Although a clear joke, this statement shows how some people use humor to express their close bond with their pets, even likening it to a mother-child relationship.
Finding Maternal Love Through Pets
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A woman battling an autoimmune disease shares her perspective. Unable to have children, she sees her pets as her babies due to her health condition. She deeply loves them, yet she acknowledges the difference between raising pets and children. Her story reminds us of the different ways people can express and experience maternal love.
Living with Chronic Illness
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Another person with an autoimmune disease stresses the challenges of managing day-to-day tasks, let alone raising a child. In situations like these, pet ownership can offer companionship and a sense of responsibility that’s more manageable than parenting.
The Silver Lining
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One person suggests that treating pets as children can lead to better care for these animals. It’s a positive perspective focusing on the pet’s welfare and how this attitude can improve pet care.
The Question of Public Etiquette
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A commentator notes the problems that can arise when pet owners expect everyone else to treat their pets like human children, especially in public spaces. This viewpoint highlights the importance of respecting public spaces and understanding boundaries.
Life’s Simple Pleasures
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One person believes that as long as individuals love and care for their pets, it’s not a problem if they consider them as their kids. This viewpoint celebrates the diversity of human experiences and the joy of loving a pet.
The Complexity of Pet Ownership
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A dog owner refers to herself as “mama” but acknowledges that having a dog doesn’t make her a mother. It’s a reminder that pets play a complex role in our lives and that pet ownership differs from parenting.
Growing Up with a Pet
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A woman who got her cat at age seven and has had her for 16 years considers herself a cat mom. She highlighted how pets can provide emotional support and companionship over many years, forming bonds that can feel as strong as family ties. She could not see any difference between the bond with her cat and the bond between humans and their children.
The Fine Line
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Some people believe that comparing pet ownership with parenthood is only okay if it refers to the nurturing aspect and not a literal comparison. They believe we need to remember that owning a pet only means we give the pet love instead of having a fully-fledged relationship, such as with humans.
Living a Fulfilled Life Without Children
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A person who decides not to have children finds fulfillment in having pets. They appreciate the acceptance and support from their friends, reflecting a shift in society’s attitudes about family and parenthood. They believe there is no difference between having a pet and having children, as having a pet fulfills them in the same way.
The Importance of Respect
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Some people don’t mind others joking about their pets being their children, but they do find it annoying when others demand acceptance of pets as equals to actual children. They argued that there are many things that go into raising a human, and none of these can ever be seen when looking after a pet.
Parenting Is a Unique Experience
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One person doesn’t care until pet owners start saying that having a pet is the same as having kids. They feel that there’s a vast difference between the two experiences, so comparing the two seems entirely pointless.
A Bit Too Much, Perhaps?
Another person finds it a bit obnoxious when people consider their pets their children but doesn’t think it’s worth getting upset over. This suggests that while they find it a bit excessive, it’s not harmful. They think that we should just allow other people to believe what they want as long as it does not harm anybody.
The Freedom to Think What You Want
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Some people simply don’t care what others think. One person says, “They can think turds taste like Snickers. What do I care.” Clearly, this person believes that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we should just allow them to think this way.
It’s Just Too Cringe To Deal With
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One user said their only issue was with people who make it their entire personality to have their pets as their kids. They said this was just cringe and expressed how they couldn’t deal with people who thought this way.
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Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic. STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
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We wanted to know the most irksome things someone can say that turn you off! These online forum users didn’t hold back! 16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
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FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS
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Each generation has its quirks. Most label it as an “old person thing” when asked why grandpa or grandma does something unusual. The defense from the other side is that “it was the way things were back in our day.”
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