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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it really a widely held belief that those who dislike animals are dangerous?

109 replies

Thesinisterone · 18/11/2025 17:14

According to dh family it’s a valid concern ?!

I have never wanted pets, not keen on things like zoos or farm trips for the dc. I don’t like the smell of animals (plus I’m allergic to cats!). Really don’t like dogs (I’m scared of them!).

I dont hate animals I just don’t like them and avoid them as much as possible !

According to MIL this is a red flag and she thinks I could have a personality disorder as people who don’t like animals are ‘not quite right’. I did say to her that I just avoid animals it’s not as if I go round kicking puppies or anything ??!! She said ‘everyone agrees and we are all worried we’ve never known anyone who doesn’t like the dogs !’

Is it that strange ? They (dh family) and especially MIL seem very wary of me ??!

OP posts:
Original poster
Thesinisterone · 18/11/2025 17:18

AmberRose86 · 18/11/2025 17:16

I think there’s a difference between actively disliking animals, and indifference to them. I am pretty indifferent although I don’t wish them any harm at all.

I think that’s fine. If you’re out there being actively cruel and/or wishing death to all animals though that’s probably worth looking into…

I definitely wouldn’t wish any harm on anything even if there’s a spider in the house (and I’m petrified of bugs) I never want it squashed just put outside !

OP posts:
Tryingatleast · 18/11/2025 17:18

My in laws dogs hate me. We have a dog ourselves, I had a dog as a kid, and I think most dogs really like me but they HATE me. I sometimes wonder if ils see me differently because of this

sonjadog · 18/11/2025 17:18

I think your MiL could think a bit more before opening her big mouth.

c3pu · 18/11/2025 17:17

I like eating them, completely indifferent to them otherwise.

Original poster
Thesinisterone · 18/11/2025 17:17

Oakcupboard · 18/11/2025 17:16

I think it would only be concerning if you were cruel to animals.

This is what I said to her !

OP posts:
AmberRose86 · 18/11/2025 17:17

I thin like your MIL sounds far stranger than you though.

Oakcupboard · 18/11/2025 17:16

I think it would only be concerning if you were cruel to animals.

AmberRose86 · 18/11/2025 17:16

I think there’s a difference between actively disliking animals, and indifference to them. I am pretty indifferent although I don’t wish them any harm at all.

I think that’s fine. If you’re out there being actively cruel and/or wishing death to all animals though that’s probably worth looking into…

Swiftie1878 · 18/11/2025 17:15

No. People who are cruel to animals are dangerous.