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Original poster

"The British express more affection towards pets than they do children"?

38 replies

Sudeko · 08/04/2023 09:45

I was informed by a friend who is staying from overseas. I know that one cannot generalize but is it true especially for families with older kids?

OP posts:
SunshineGeorgie · 08/04/2023 09:49

Who knows?

You can be affectionate to both no?

x2boys · 08/04/2023 09:57

I'm very affectionate towards my kids and my dog🤷
Although if I had to.choose between them it would be my kids.obviously.

DarkForces · 08/04/2023 09:59

I offer but Dd doesn't want me to tickle her tummy and give her bacon fat

MajorCarolDanvers · 08/04/2023 10:10

I'm British

I have no pets and never will.

I show my kids lots of affection

Florenz · 08/04/2023 10:11

I think it's true. But I don't know if the British are unique in this regard.

Theunamedcat · 08/04/2023 10:12

Kids don't usually like belly rugs and head scratches

Easterfunbun · 08/04/2023 10:12

I have kids and I had a dog who sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago. It’s such a simple, uncomplicated, pure love. Obviously as she was a dog we’ve all been able to move on fairly quickly in a way that obviously wouldn’t be the case had it been my child. I do miss her though.

Now if you offered me a newborn to hold or a puppy I absolutely would be choosing the puppy 🐾 ❤️.

duvetcovereddissident · 08/04/2023 10:14

well, I am cuddling a rather beautiful cat on my lap right now, tickling his tummy and calling him "gorgeous" and I dont think my 25 year old son would really want that, but I probably did when he was 9 months old.

Not more affectionate to animals, probably, no.

affectionate to animals for longer, maybe

But then I wouldn't really want my cat subject to the bear hugs my son doles out!

Original poster
Sudeko · 08/04/2023 10:21

I have a lot of love for my cats but DS is definitively more affectionate. In five years time, i do not know 😀

OP posts:
Original poster
Sudeko · 08/04/2023 10:22

definitely

OP posts:
Jojobalone · 08/04/2023 10:25

I take it you don’t have any children OP?

Jojobalone · 08/04/2023 10:25

Wait you do!!

and you’re asking this?

Rockbird · 08/04/2023 10:26

Individually, it's bollocks. Of course people are affectionate to their kids.

Collectively though, wouldn't surprise me. I don't know of another country so anti children. People can be downright nasty in their attitude towards people who happen to be under 10.

Phonemonkey2023 · 08/04/2023 10:28

Pets get a lot more leeway that kids interrupting work teams calls that’s for sure!

coffeeisthebest · 08/04/2023 10:31

I don't like the generalisation as I don't think it is specific to the UK but I have seen behaviour that favours pets over people for sure. I don't particularly understand it but I guess that animals are more straightforward for some people.

Jojobalone · 08/04/2023 10:32

Rockbird · 08/04/2023 10:26

Individually, it's bollocks. Of course people are affectionate to their kids.

Collectively though, wouldn't surprise me. I don't know of another country so anti children. People can be downright nasty in their attitude towards people who happen to be under 10.

Who? I have never ever thought this and both mine are older than 10 now (just!)

Labraradabrador · 08/04/2023 10:35

I think the comment was related to how the English demonstrate affection, not ‘do you like your pets more than your kids’. I would agree that the English are more emotionally open towards pets than their kids. I also come from a culture where the norm is to be much more demonstrative, whereas the English are much more restrained in any equivalent situation. I don’t doubt you all love your children, but I do understand how it all might feel very stilted when visiting for a short period from another country

Velvetbee · 08/04/2023 10:38

I think we’re reserved with expressions of affection in public. Except for pets.
Most people snuggle and adore their kids but in private.

BuddhaAtSea · 08/04/2023 10:40

Put it this way: I’ve known my hairdresser for 27 years. She used to be very reluctant to allow my DD to come with me for a cut and blow. DD was tolerated (then absolutely loved, eventually).
My dog on the other hand has special toys that come out when I go, has treats bought for and when I make the appointment she makes sure to ask if I’m bringing the dog.
so…

BuddhaAtSea · 08/04/2023 10:43

Oh, and I never had a problem taking the dog to the pub, whereas bringing my DD was frowned upon. Not that I cared.
My Dd thinks I love the dog more than I love her.

MyriadOfTravels · 08/04/2023 11:01

As a non brit, I sort of agree tbh.

LlynTegid · 08/04/2023 11:03

Seems a fair description in many instances.

Marinapeppina · 08/04/2023 11:05

I think it’s standard with the upper classes. Think of QRII’s relationship with her dogs vs her children

Survey99 · 08/04/2023 11:06

Hopefully it is true as some people too affectionate and soppy about their pets and it leads to behaviour issues.

Redebs · 08/04/2023 11:11

Sudeko · 08/04/2023 09:45

I was informed by a friend who is staying from overseas. I know that one cannot generalize but is it true especially for families with older kids?

Sadly often so.

Pets are not people. They are not family members. Other people's children are more important than your pets.

Animals are wonderful, but they are not people.

Pet owners claiming to be animal lovers put masses of other animals through horror and pain in slaughterhouses. They allow their pets to destroy wildlife.

The sentimentality and hypocrisy of pet owning is a whole psychology of its own.