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In most cases, we use the expression as a cute hyperbole, mainly to show just how much affection a dog can give. But for many middle-aged guys, that phrase is less of an exaggeration and more of a reality.
According to clinical psychologists, over 40% of middle-aged men heavily rely on their doggos when they need emotional support – in fact, more than they rely on any close friend or another member of their close social circles.
But why is that? Unfortunately, many guys don’t like to get in touch with what they see as their “feminine side” – which, let’s face it, means their rational side that makes all the right calls.
That’s one of the reasons why men are often reluctant to seek treatment or help – both from their social network and medical professionals. But here’s some good news: using your puppy for emotional support isn’t actually that bad of an idea!
It turns out that your furry little buddy can help you form a fulfilling, strong emotional bond – one that will help you reconnect with actual people down the line as well. So, how do you do that? We’ll get into it right here!
Judgment-Free Love
Let’s be honest – if a guy is good, he’s got a nurturing, caring side he just may not be showing; no matter how cool or gruff he seems (or tries to seem) to others.
If you want to start opening up to others and being more in touch with your emotions, you just need someone to do the same for you – someone who will be ready to show you some love and affection pretty much all the time.
Enter: a ridiculously cute puppy!
When we open up to another human being, all sorts of fears and thoughts enter into the equation. We’re afraid that our feelings will be ridiculed and judged – and that’s especially true for guys. Plenty of men feel like traditional notions of masculinity don’t allow for emotional openness – resulting in pent-up feelings and anxiety issues.
As the famous comedian Bill Burr once put it, guys can’t even admit a puppy is cute – and that’s actually where the solution lies. Getting a doggie from Pawrade means letting in a cute little bundle of judgment-free emotional support into your life!
Dogs are the best at that. First of all, they’re a constant presence – your dog is always there, ready to greet you after a dull day at work like you’re the world champion!
Even Freud was fond of dogs – he argued that they give us a love that’s so pure that no other human being can match it. And just a few days of bonding with a dog will clearly show you why.
Just think of how many suburban dads that didn’t even want a dog end up sleeping with their pups and rolling around on the floor with them. The reason for that is clear: your relationship with your dog is simple and honest – the very best combo!
As long as you’re nice to your dog, they’ll love you like no one else. You can be as cuddly and emotional as you like with a dog – they’ll never call you a “wuss” or ridicule you. In fact, they’ll pick up on that emotionally honest energy and even love you more for it.
Learning To Open Up
Dogs can’t talk – yeah, what a newsflash. But that simple fact means that they can’t communicate their feelings to us easily; it’s not always easy to understand what your dog needs or wants. However, after a while, we learn to pick up on their feelings – ask any dog owner, and they’ll tell you that they know precisely when their dog is anxious or sad.
That lack of clear communication means the whole relationship is based on reading emotions – and vice versa. Your dog picks up on your “vibe” and your mood – which means you need to learn how to show your emotions to your doggo if you want even the most basic level of understanding with them, let alone training!
Yep, there’s a reason why women find guys with dogs attractive – a cute relationship with a dog shows that a guy probably isn’t afraid of tapping into the more intimate parts of his personality and psyche. Guys that learn how to connect with their dogs are also more likely to become better partners and even fathers – you can build many meaningful emotional connections on the foundation you build by taking care of a pup.
That’s why we emotional support dogs aren’t a crutch – far from it! They’re the safest and simplest testing ground for guys who have previously struggled with their emotions. And they can bring you a world of love!
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