Page 2 | Is it really that unusual to dislike animals ?

Whyisthatweird · 2024-02-22T23:21:14+00:00

I’ve been told so many times now that it’s either not normal or a sign that something is wrong and one person even said it made them feel so uncomfortable to be around me when realising what an aversion I have to animals ??!! Surely I’m not alone ?? I don’t hate animals - I’m just either phobic about them or I can’t stand them for multiple sensory reasons (smell, dirt, germs etc) and therefore totally avoid them ! I don’t make a fuss about it it’s just when anyone realises they act like it’s a sign of being some kind of psychopath ! A colleague recently got a puppy and I couldn’t be in the same room. I can see why others find them cute and accept that but I feel nauseous around animals and she was trying to follow me around saying ‘what’s wrong with you ?’ It got really uncomfortable. Am I the only one ? I feel like some kind of freak !

aliasname · 22/02/2024 23:50

My MIL doesn’t like any animals (tbf she grew up in a butcher’s shop, so animals = food to her!)

after 10 years she’s got used to our dog though, and one time when he was naughty and I shouted at him, he went and hid behind MIL which she thought was sweet.

A lot of her attitude is because animals are unpredictable, so eventually she was able to trust them as she got to know them. She’ll never be an animal lover though.

Original poster

Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:50

Theresstilltonighttocome · 22/02/2024 23:47

@Whyisthatweird are you neurodivergent? It seems like a very strong sensory reaction is a big part of it.

Possibly , I did have a lot of issues around food at one point too and I have some really odd memories of childhood but I’ve never thought to be assessed. I just have felt very uneasy lately about people’s reaction to it and now I’m acutely aware that I shoddily be so quick to say as I did with colleagues puppy

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Original poster

Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:51

*shouldnt be so quick

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MCOut · 22/02/2024 23:51

The way that you are describing the dislike that is potentially not normal. Not liking animals is understandable, especially if you haven’t had much contact with them. Needing to leave a room because you feel nauseated, or it’s a phobia is potentially a sign of something deeper.

RogueFemale · 22/02/2024 23:51

Animals are a really normal part of the environment, so your response is very abnormal, like being averse to trees or the sky or rivers. I would recommend you seek counselling.

fuckssaaaaake · 22/02/2024 23:52

I love animals but know lots of people like you. You're not weird FYI!

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Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:53

aliasname · 22/02/2024 23:50

My MIL doesn’t like any animals (tbf she grew up in a butcher’s shop, so animals = food to her!)

after 10 years she’s got used to our dog though, and one time when he was naughty and I shouted at him, he went and hid behind MIL which she thought was sweet.

A lot of her attitude is because animals are unpredictable, so eventually she was able to trust them as she got to know them. She’ll never be an animal lover though.

I decided to go vegetarian at age 7 (much to my parents dismay) then by 9 couldn’t eat eggs either (due to being so scared of the chickens at the farm every time I was given an egg for breakfast all I could see in my mind was the dusty air in the chicken house and the sounds and way they ran about and i couldn’t eat them I also used to gag at the little stringy bit inside boiled eggs I didn’t know what it was but I couldn’t stand it )

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Zippedydoodahday · 22/02/2024 23:55

You don't need to love animals,, but it might be worth looking into some professional help so that you at least feel less uncomfortable. My friend had hypnotherapy for a crippling phobia of dogs and she can now be in the same room as them happily and even touch them.

Personally I could never be in a relationship or close friendship with some with such an extreme reaction because animals are a huge part of my life. I'd happily be friendly with someone who disliked animals though, provided they didn't wish them ill and were compassionate towards them.

Out of interest do you eat meat and animal products?

tillyandmilly · 22/02/2024 23:55

Maybe you need to see a counsellor/therapist to see if there is something in your subconscious that is making you germ phobic and a dislike for animals? maybe you can get help to overcome this?

sprigatito · 22/02/2024 23:56

It doesn't make you a bad person OP, people shouldn't be shitty with you about it. You didn't ask for it and it sounds very limiting. I also wonder whether you might be ND (as am I) as it does sound more of a sensory aversion than anything else. If you are, then the way you were exposed to animals as a child, without any awareness of your sensory needs, probably didn't help.

Theresstilltonighttocome · 22/02/2024 23:56

Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:45

I almost pick up that that’s where people’s mind jumps to ? For some it feels like doesn’t like animals =wants to harm animals and I don’t at all!

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People are weird.

And ‘awww cute animals!’ is a social expectation, especially for women. It’s part of the ‘loving,nurturing,caring’ thing we are expected to feel about anything that could possibly be considered vulnerable in any way.

CherryBlossom321 · 22/02/2024 23:57

I don’t like animals. I’ve had the same judgements at times, and often hear the old “never trust anyone who doesn’t like dogs/ cats” but I personally think it’s weird to make such a leap. Disliking animals is a long way from the inferred psychopathy. We can’t all be the same, we’re all individuals with personal likes and dislikes, perspectives and experiences. It’s a shame when people write off a potential friend on that basis.

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Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:58

Flying ant day is a particular ordeal as well, I really don’t know why I’m so affected by animals I’d always just accepted it and avoided them as much as I can and that had been fine I didn’t need to explain myself but now I’m worried as don’t want to be disliked.

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Original poster

Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:59

CherryBlossom321 · 22/02/2024 23:57

I don’t like animals. I’ve had the same judgements at times, and often hear the old “never trust anyone who doesn’t like dogs/ cats” but I personally think it’s weird to make such a leap. Disliking animals is a long way from the inferred psychopathy. We can’t all be the same, we’re all individuals with personal likes and dislikes, perspectives and experiences. It’s a shame when people write off a potential friend on that basis.

At least I’m not the only one I’ve been starting to really worry

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twingiraffes · 23/02/2024 00:01

Sorry OP - just noticed my username is probably not the most welcome on your thread!!

It seems like you have a strong phobia, and that is nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of people have phobias that others find inexplicable, but you don't find people saying that someone is weird because they have a fear of flying, fr instance. It is accepted as something outside the control of the person affected.

foreverbasil · 23/02/2024 00:03

Myohmywonderful · 22/02/2024 23:31

I do think people who don’t like animals are weird tbh. I just don’t trust people who have a huge aversion to animals 😅

Can you explain this? I admitted to my best friend that I don't like animals and felt as if it was taboo to discuss.
I don't wish animals harm I just don't like them. Why is it weird?

LuckyPeonies · 23/02/2024 00:06

@Whyisthatweird I don’t see a problem as long as you don’t harm them and just avoid them. There are plenty of people who claim to love animals but neglect their pets, or dump their adult pets for a cute kitten/puppy, etc. Your avoidance is much preferable to that ilk. Edited to add, I can kind of relate though, babies and small children gross me out (I am okay with them when they are year 2 or 3) and I actively avoid them because people think you are a monster to feel this way. 🙄

BananaPalm · 23/02/2024 00:07

You sound very clear in your reflections about this and very rational. It's refreshing to see someone that is able to look at themselves with such objectivity and curiosity, a bit like a bystander. Kudos, really.

I'd say that if it bothers you, perhaps try some sort of therapy to at least get to the bottom of why you have these reactions. They are definitely not usual. But if it doesn't bother you in your daily life, just, well, avoid all animals 😅

Theresstilltonighttocome · 23/02/2024 00:07

RogueFemale · 22/02/2024 23:51

Animals are a really normal part of the environment, so your response is very abnormal, like being averse to trees or the sky or rivers. I would recommend you seek counselling.

I don’t like trees- if I notice how the branches grow out of them it repulses me.

See also- birds nests, individual beans pressed onto toast, succulents of all kinds, the word nest being spoken, saliva (including seeing my own)… all of these make me have a physical reaction of repulsion (shuddering, retching, eyes watering etc).

I function perfectly well in the world because I’ve learned to manage or hide it. Like people do with their feelings when out and about.

There will be loads of people who have these feelings, you just don’t know because they haven’t told you.

Theresstilltonighttocome · 23/02/2024 00:08

Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:58

Flying ant day is a particular ordeal as well, I really don’t know why I’m so affected by animals I’d always just accepted it and avoided them as much as I can and that had been fine I didn’t need to explain myself but now I’m worried as don’t want to be disliked.

Fuck me I hate flying ant day.

SlumberDearMaid · 23/02/2024 00:09

Whyisthatweird · 22/02/2024 23:43

Yes and as a child at school I couldn’t participate in anything to do with Noah’s ark! There was a song in assembly I used to have to be taken out as I’d feel/be sick (the thought of being on a boat with animals 😂) and if it was talked about I’d get really distressed. Had a disastrous school trip to the zoo at one point a teacher had to stay in the gift shop with me as I had a panic attack as didn’t like the smell.

It’s odd as I can appreciate why people would find some animals cute (eg puppies or kittens ) but if there’s a real one actually near me I feel like I have to just get away

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You’ve got to admit, that’s pretty unusual / extreme…

adriftinadenofvipers · 23/02/2024 00:13

Whyisthatweird · Yesterday 23:48

I don’t understand it myself it feels like a combination of things but nothing really specific and more of a feeling some kind of sensory thing? It was a big problem as a child but I had managed to get on with things and suddenly in the space of a few months it’s been noticed and commented on more than usual so I’m suddenly really aware that its maybe making me seem like something I’m not - people seem really bothered by it I feel really conscious that it’s something I really need to hide

It is unusual for someone to dislike all animals. Would you consider therapy? I love animals but cats in particular, and I've brought my children up to have a love of them as well. I think it's important.

RogueFemale · 23/02/2024 00:14

Theresstilltonighttocome · 23/02/2024 00:07

I don’t like trees- if I notice how the branches grow out of them it repulses me.

See also- birds nests, individual beans pressed onto toast, succulents of all kinds, the word nest being spoken, saliva (including seeing my own)… all of these make me have a physical reaction of repulsion (shuddering, retching, eyes watering etc).

I function perfectly well in the world because I’ve learned to manage or hide it. Like people do with their feelings when out and about.

There will be loads of people who have these feelings, you just don’t know because they haven’t told you.

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Sorry, but your reaction is still abnormal, even if there's a minority who also share these averse reactions to tree branches, the word nest being spoken, their own saliva, etc.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 23/02/2024 00:15

I would think you are very unusual for having such extreme reactions, but I wouldn't describe you as weird or assume that it meant you were a horrible person etc. I would just assume that you had a phobia.

People have phobias of all sorts of things, many of them much weirder than a phobia of animals. I won't pretend to understand how these things develop, but I wouldn't judge you for it.

Problemnumber99 · 23/02/2024 00:19

I know someone that has an irrational fear of buttons, she gets laughed at but no one thinks she's undateable. It's just because it's animals you're having issues.

Something got tangled when you were little, and no doubt a bit of therapy would untangle it. At least to the point you can be in the room with them and not feel sick.