***Collaborative post***
Normally, your partner may show a considerable amount of affection towards their pet, especially if you came into the picture after. They’re (usually) cute, friendly, and attached to their owner, so there’s no doubt there will be a lot of love in the air between them. If they own a dog, then you just know that there is going to be a secure bond that will be hard to interfere with.
It’s even becoming the norm for pet owners to throw their furry friend a birthday party, feed them pet-friendly cakes and alcohol and even, in the unfortunate event of them passing, honor them with elegant pet urns in wood.
But, in a relationship, there is a line that has to be drawn. It is enough to have to compete with other humans to get the attention of your partner, but to compete all day every day with a fluffy companion is where most draw the line.
When your partner loves their pet more than they love you, it can leave you feeling like a third-wheel. If this is the case, it can often be a sign of a problem in the relationship or just a difference of opinion. It is important to consider if there is a problem in the relationship, so it can quickly be resolved. In some cases, it is just the way your partner is with animals vs. partners and something you will have to learn to live with.
To help you determine if your partner loves their pet more than you, here are 6 signs you can look out for.
1 Your partner is too quick to forgive their pet
…but finds it too easy to hold a grudge when you do something wrong. Does this sound familiar? They may be cute, but if they tend to get away with everything and you struggle to gain their forgiveness… there may be a problem. If you were both to accidentally smash a glass, how would the reaction differ?
2 Your partner shows their pet constant affection
… and shows you very little. This can mean that your partner does enjoy physical contact, especially if they are showering your pet with kisses and cuddles, but for some reason, does not want any affection from you. If this is the case, then it sounds like there may be an issue worth exploring here. Affection from a pet is very different from a partner, especially if their pet has been in their life a long time, through the good and the bad. Show some compassion and try to speak with your partner.
3 Your partner gets more excited for their pets birthday
…and frequently makes no effort with yours. This can be exacerbated if your partner likes to go all out for your pet and throw a party, invite friends over, buy a cake and lots of presents. Is there something going on which means your partner does not want to throw you a party or is it just a standing tradition your partner has with their pet?
4 Your partner finds it harder to say goodbye to their pet
…and is not bothered if and when you leave the room. It can be a clear sign that your pet is much more important than you are if your partner is heartbroken if they have to leave your pet, especially for a short period and there is a clear difference with the behavior when you leave.
5 Your partner compliments their pet
… and you don’t so much as get a smile. If you fail to get affection and any kind of compliment from your partner, this could mean there is an issue, especially if they shower their pet with kind words and cute nicknames. This doesn’t, however, always mean there is something wrong, especially if you are in the early stages of a new relationship.
6 Your partner goes above and beyond when their pet is unwell
… and you are left to fend for yourself when you are sick. Your partner probably cares a lot more about their pet if they turn the world upside down and go beyond the usual for their pet when they are sick. This usually looks like rushing your pet to the vets and providing them with all their attention.
Many signs can show your partner loves their pet more than you. If you resonate with any of these signs, it is not always a bad thing. It can just mean that your partner behaves differently, especially if the relationship is relatively new or their pet has been in their life a long time.
