Updated: May 12, 2015
Originally Published: April 12, 2010
Princess Diana once quipped, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” I can definitely relate, but instead of a former love vying for attention, I’ve got a furry friend that seems to have captured my partner’s heart in ways I could never have predicted.
With his soulful brown eyes and an odor that could clear a room, it’s clear the dog has become the apple of my partner’s eye. The love is mutual, as the dog appears to be the center of his universe.
When my partner returns from work, he heads straight for the dog for some quality cuddle time. After attending to the dog’s needs, he might finally ask how my day was. Unlike my four-legged friend, who gets showered with affection, I often find myself longing for a simple acknowledgment or a refreshing drink after a long day. And let’s be honest, I’d likely react very differently than the dog if he tried to ruffle my hair!
What Are My Options?
So, what options do I have? Should I rise above it, transform into a drooling, shedding creature, or maybe even ally with the furry rival for my partner’s affection? It’s not just my partner, either; the dog holds a saintly status in the eyes of our kids and everyone else around. Despite the occasional mishaps that require cleanup (guess who handles that?), or the dog’s knack for stealing socks (the source of many morning frustrations), he’s treated like royalty.
While we might manage a date once every couple of years, my partner and the dog enjoy long, leisurely walks daily. Our children? They could survive on basic meals while our canine companion feasts on the finest raw meat. The dog gets pampered with spa-like experiences, while I’m left dreaming of a bubble bath as I scrub our tub clean. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch; our kids wouldn’t know Spam if it landed in their dinner, and the dog has yet to experience a real spa day – his mud baths suffice.)
The Dilemma
I’ve thought about having an open conversation about “Who do you love more?” but that just sounds desperate and a little insane. After all, he married me, not a dog. Still, I can’t help but wonder if their 14-year bond overshadows our 10-year commitment, especially since I contribute to our household while he merely drains finances with vet bills.
It’s not that I dislike the dog; he’s sweet and charming, albeit a bit neurotic, especially when it comes to his human. Their relationship is so intertwined that even Hall & Oates might get inspired to write a song about it. But I do look forward to the day when I no longer find dog hair on the carpet – that will be a moment of pure joy.
However, the reality is that day will inevitably come, and I fear it will cast a shadow over our home. Perhaps I’ll just have to choose the next furry intruder myself.
For more insights on the joys and challenges of family life, check out this post on Modern Family Blog.
In conclusion, while it may seem that my partner’s affection leans heavily toward our dog, it’s all part of the intricate web of love and companionship that comes with family life – furry friends included.
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