Does having pets help with loneliness?

G0TouchGrass420 · 2024-12-15T14:55:30+00:00

For me yes but Ive noticed some people are just not dog people.....like they dont view dogs the same way us dog people do lol if your one of those types probably not but if your a dog person than yes.

It truly is mans best friend. I just got home from a 1 hour walk in the forest with my dog.

Ill say this tho. You are young. 24 realize this if you get a dog he will live 10-17 years. You will have this dog until you are 40. There is sacrifice and commitment you need to realize. Your vacations will be affected....Your girlfriends will be affected. Your work will be affected.

Dont get a dog then go out and work 12 hours every day. When I got my dog at your age 15 years ago I understood this and every weekend for 15 years my dog and I have been in the forest or at the beach.

Some tips....Training young is important get your dog used to doggie daycare and the vet early so when you do want to go on vacations or out of town you can.

Legitimate_Fan_4977 · 2024-12-15T15:11:11+00:00

I live with my three cats. Owning a pet is harder than I thought but they definitely help to reduce my sadness and loneliness. Not always, but they do at some what level. At least I got something other than my problems to think about and focus on.

comments247 · 2024-12-15T14:48:59+00:00

It helps the first few days until the honeymoon phase wears down. Then it becomes a commitment. If loneliness is your only problem, then try different social groups or sport activities.

Agreeable_Practice11 · 2024-12-15T14:59:02+00:00

It definitely can help. Animals are fun to have around. Or if you don’t want the responsibility, consider feeding birds in the winter and hummingbirds in the summer, if you live in a place that allows this.

Main thing is develop whatever hobbies/social clubs you think you would enjoy. It will allow you to do something you enjoy, get you out (assuming your interests require you to not stay at home), allow you to meet people, and look interesting.

The last part I never used to believe in. A younger version of myself would scoff at that statement. I have found this to be so true the older I get. People seek out other people who seem to be enjoying life and doing fun things.

Lastly, you may want to discuss with a mental health professional/therapist if you think you may be depressed. Depression is a horrible thing and can be insidious.

Good luck in getting back on track!!

Resident-West-5213 · 2024-12-16T00:59:16+00:00

Yes, of course. I've been with a silver tabby cat for almost ten years. Little guy showed up at my doorstep, definitely a gift from God.

sarpa-salpa · 2024-12-15T19:51:25+00:00

Yes to an extent . Also hobbies help

vegatx40 · 2024-12-15T15:03:45+00:00

Dogs re better than people

Shelter rescue dogs will love you forever

SaandeDaTel · 2024-12-15T14:48:21+00:00

Somewhat. But you as a human male, need a human female to completely fill that 'loneliness'. It sucks, but that's just the way we have been programmed by nature......

Rothbardy · 2024-12-15T15:42:32+00:00

Pets can help but they’re a long term commitment. I’d encourage you to try social groups, just go out and do something you think you’d enjoy. Start talking to the people there and make connections. It’s definitely harder to make new friends the older you get. I think that it’s partly due to us being more selective with who we associate and spend our time. Another factor is many are set with their circle of friends and don’t actively try to cultivate new friendships.

TinyBlonde15 · 2024-12-15T15:44:36+00:00

Yea it's bonkers how nice it is to have someone who needs ya and who helps you back. That reciprocity is absolutely lovely.

Proper_Chipmunk9738 · 2024-12-15T16:32:00+00:00

I have a cat, and yeah it helps. I'll ask her questions and she'll respond based on my tone knowing that I asked something LMAO. She may not completely understand what I'm saying but we have a good thing going for each other, I love her to death.

DogConeofShame · 2024-12-15T18:39:37+00:00

For me, yes. I hadn't made any new non-work friends in years. Started going to the dog park at the same time every day and have about 10 new friends and many more acquaintances.

RMU199 · 2024-12-15T20:20:56+00:00

I have a cat and want to get a dog. Cat is aloof and hides when friends come over. A dog would protect me and my stuff. My cat would probably let in burglars if they gave her treats. I could take the dog to the dog park and meet people.

ApexPedator69 · 2024-12-15T23:03:38+00:00

I don't really have a friends no more. I'm 31 and found when it comes to people I struggle socially. I've found that being around animals helps. Sure it'll never beat having human company but netherless it's still good enough. In fact I often hang out with my landlord doggo and it's always nice to come home to a pupper that's excited to see yah like you've been gone for months haha.

RandomYT05 · 2024-12-16T00:45:22+00:00

Try a kitten. They're always the cutest little things.

SoyBoyH8ter · 2024-12-16T07:17:03+00:00

Cats would be great They prefer male owners too

Think_Travel5752 · 2024-12-15T15:16:46+00:00

Get one cat one dog. Well i had a cat it died due to its stupidity

No-Feedback7437 · 2024-12-15T17:12:15+00:00

I have a difficult time making friends too animals do help a little bit

DuckIcy6297 · 2024-12-15T18:08:32+00:00

Is this acting as a support or a solution to your loneliness?

Objective_Knee883 · 2024-12-15T18:37:07+00:00

Yes. It helps.

xpietoe42 · 2024-12-15T18:54:39+00:00

yep, it definitely does help. Its not a human so you have to lower your expectations, but its fun, loving, sharing moments, and everything else! I have 2 cats

youriqis20pointslow · 2024-12-15T19:09:24+00:00

Yes but be prepared for the possibility of chewed up furniture, clothes, electronics etc. But even when they tear up the couch or shoes, it’s hard to keep a straight face and stay mad at them.

Also i would not get a dog that can really hurt me. I have heard stories about super friendly dogs snapping and getting aggressive out of the blue but this is obviously more common with some breeds more than others i.e. I would definitely stay away from the “It’s the owner not the breed” type of breeds.

But it is a commitment. So any potential person you date also has to like dogs. I had a best friend growing up and his mom was obviously not a dog person and was a crazy b****. When they moved she told us a family adopted the dog but in reality she put it in a shelter.

JamesKBoyd · 2024-12-15T20:02:43+00:00

I have a cute little black cat and she is my best friend. But I also have human friends, a girlfriend, etc.

Qantourisc · 2024-12-16T08:25:15+00:00

Seems to help a lot of people. But for me it would be a no. It's not the kind of connection I crave.

InPrinciple63 · 2024-12-17T06:51:01+00:00

If you are prepared for the commitment to its care and happiness, owning a dog is the closest thing you will ever experience to unconditional love. Womens love is always conditional.

captjacksparrowshat · 2024-12-17T07:05:28+00:00

Absolutely. My dog has literally saved my life. I was alone and depressed to the point of suicidal. I decided to get a dog and he gave me something to come home to and keep living for. I’ll never ever regret that choice. That was 11.5 years ago and still one of the next things I have ever done.

chaosandturmoil · 2024-12-18T00:36:14+00:00

absolutely but talk to someone who has a dog and can tell you the necessities.

talk to a rescue centre about fulfilling a dog's needs.

in fact, talk to someone too.

alter_furz · 2024-12-20T10:57:06+00:00

i've heard about oxytocin levels and how they go up when you have a pet, and these elevated levels of oxytocin also help prevent cancer and improve your mood.

but then again, it might have been a female-centred study of cat ladies, can't tell

IntelligentVisual955 · 2024-12-15T18:23:06+00:00

Let's be friends. Same here but I think I am a boy

Title	Does having pets help with loneliness?
Author	Conservative_Eagle
Upvotes	94
Comments	44
Date	December 15, 2024 2:37 PM UTC (1 year ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/1hetuko/does_having_pets_help_with_loneliness/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/does-having-pets-help-with-loneliness.1538569 https://theredarchive.com/post/1538569

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