According to various researchers, the presence of a pet creates a very positive impact in a marriage. Couples with pets were found to be more understanding, compatible, and had fewer fights.
This was a very controversial issue and there are lots of debates for and against this topic. But studies conducted in favor of owning pets have mentioned the following points that boost a relationship.
1. Pets help diffuse stress. Marital stress gets diffused with the presence of pets in the house. Pets with their funny actions and attentive nature tend to divert a couple when they are angry and upset.
2. Pets prepare a couple for the future. Taking care of a pet is equivalent to taking care of a child. A pet needs to be cleaned, bathed, given medical attention, fed, spoken to, and showered with love and attention. It forces couples to decide who will do what and when and helps them handle responsibilities.
3. Fun activities. The presence of a pet is fun and adds a lot of good memories to the family.
4. Healthy communication. Sometimes it is difficult to talk to human beings, but talking to pets is easy. Also, psychologists reveal that talking to pets is positive and good for one’s wellbeing.
5. Physical Exercise. It is important that one take a pet out for regular exercise. Taking it out for exercise will also enable the couple to go out for walks and spend time together – not only physical benefits, but private time alone as well!
6. Loneliness. Pets help one to deal with loneliness and depression which can sometimes creep in. Busy lives, lack of communication, and stress all contribute to feelings of depression and being left out.
These studies have shown that people with pets are also more tolerant toward each other. One cannot generalize these research findings to all couples. Relationship building differs from couple to couple. Some have a healthy relationship even in the absence of pets. Some couples may have fights due to pets and may not like having one.
One can certainly not say that having a pet is a sure shot way of improving a marriage; however, one could, if they wanted to, try this out as a way of getting close to each other. There is no harm in finding out if a pet could improve a relationship if both the partners like animals.
Why not give it a try?
What a coincidence! (if there is such a thing) My husband and I just about 20 minutes discussed getting a kitten – or should I say, I said I want one – he said he didn’t. We wouldn’t fight about it but I may be known to bug him about it. We’ve been together for 25 years, have great communication and know what’s important to us – open, truthful communication, respect, etc. A pet would just be fun – and work.