Many animal lovers secretly feel this way. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel more connected to animals than people, you’re not alone.
I’m not afraid to say it. I do like animals more than I like people. To be honest, I’ve felt my whole life like I’m a bit odd. Seriously. I had a happy home life growing up for the most part, but I always felt a bit different from my siblings. I had friends in school, but again, I never really fit in. I just wasn’t like everyone else.
Sadly, people (even my own family) have sometimes been stand-offish, and sometimes downright mean; and I think it’s because I’m different.
Maybe I’m imagining the whole thing, but there’s just too much evidence that people and I just don’t click. It’s been true in my childhood. It’s been true in my adulthood. It’s been true among work colleagues. And it’s been true in numerous social situations.
Don’t Get Me Wrong…
Don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I don’t enjoy being around people, having friends, spending time with people I love. I do. And I’m no introvert. I’m often the life of the party, I’m often described as, “a real hoot!” and I’m not afraid to speak to people; I even do public speaking with no problem at all.
I don’t hate people. I don’t even dislike them. It’s just that they don’t seem to accept me, and it’s difficult, to say the least.
Why I Like Animals More Than I Like People
I was prompted to write this blog post when I watched this video on YouTube, Why Some People Feel Closer to Animals Than Humans. In that video, they talk about how people who like animals more than they like people aren’t anti-social. We’re just tired. Tired of being judged. Tired of being criticized. And tired of feeling like we don’t fit in.
I personally find it exhausting trying to make people happy. And I certainly don’t intend to spend all of my time trying to get people to like me or accept me. That proved impossible by the time I was 12.
Animals are just easier. I’ve been a pet owner my whole life. I’ve owned many dogs and many cats. And guess what? Each and every one of them has absolutely adored me. They’ve loved me with no conditions attached. They actually love me just the way I am. And they not only accept me; they think I’m the greatest!
It’s been proven that animals can be truly beneficial in our lives. Check out my post, How Pets Improve Our Mental and Physical Health (includes video!)
My Pets Accept Me!
My current cat, Whiskers (that’s him in the photo), actually stares at me. I catch him all the time just looking at me. When I talk to him, he tilts his head, leans in to listen, reacts, and responds to what I’m saying. And the cutest thing… it’s actually difficult for me to get Whiskers to focus on his feather toys because he won’t watch the feather. He’s focused on me.
And ever since he was a tiny kitten, I’ve been awakened each morning with his cute little face one or two inches from mine. He literally waits for me to open my eyes. Seriously. It’s too cute. He makes me feel so loved.
I Love Animals More Because They Give Back
And here’s another big difference between animals and people, at least in my life. Animals give back. All my life I’ve done and done and done and done for others. I’ve always been of the mindset that if i can help, I should. And I do.
But unfortunately for me, that’s rarely reciprocated; at least not to the same degree as I give. So much so that I’ve often experienced people in my life who I’ve busted my ass to help a million times, stand by and watch me suffer in difficult situations. They don’t help.
It used to hurt me. Now it just pisses me off. LOL
But It’s Not All Bad…
One good thing about being odd, though, is that it’s forced me to be more independent. I’ve had no choice but to break from the pack and do what feels right to me, not what everyone else is doing. I’ve definitely been criticized and even alienated for that many times in my life.
But I honestly don’t think I would’ve achieved half the stuff I’ve achieved if that hadn’t been the case. I’m tough as steel. Not because I was born that way, but because I’ve had to be. And as painful as that’s been, I wouldn’t trade it. I like me. And the older I get, the more I realize that’s absolutely enough.
Do You Like Animals More Than You Like People?
Do you also like animals more than you like people? If so, why? I’d love it if you’d share your comments below, and feel free to subscribe to my blog if you like chatting about pet related issues. I’d love to have you on board! Thanks for reading, and give your pet an extra smooch for me! –Debra
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