Happy Wednesday, everyone!  Do You Talk To Your Pet Like A Human?  Psychology Says You Might Have These 7 Distinct Traits.  I am always talking to Jake and Maggie as if we are having a big conversation, and they will answer back.  I even say I’m sorry if I accidentally bump into them.  LOL!  I even tell them I’ll be back when I leave, and honestly, I think they understand me!  I thought this would be fun to post about since we dog parents treat our animals like humans :-). I found this article on GlobalEnglish Editing while searching for blog topics and wanted to share it.

Also, I put a post together last week of Maggie’s ACL TPLO surgery in Columbus, and I wanted to add the link again because I was told I didn’t add enough pictures of her.  If you opened the email before 8:00 am, you missed some of her photos.  If you want to see the post again, it is HERE.

Psychologists suggest that if you’re one of those people who treat their pets like humans, you might possess certain distinct traits, and that it means something much deeper.  In this article, they explore seven distinct traits associated with people who talk to their pets like humans.  These may just reveal a lot about your personality or cognitive aspects you hadn’t considered before.

1) Empathy is your middle name

It’s no surprise that if you’re someone who talks to your pets like humans, you’re probably brimming with empathy.  Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a trait that comes naturally to those who engage in human-like conversations with their furry friends.

It reflects your ability to recognize and respond to the emotional states of your pets, which often translates into other areas of life.  The famous psychologist, Carl Rogers, once said, “Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing.”

In your case, it’s not just understanding fellow humans, but extending that understanding to your pets as well.  This kind of empathic behavior suggests you can form deep connections not just with animals, but with people too.  You possess an innate ability to understand and relate to the emotions and experiences of others around you – a trait that is highly valued in our increasingly connected world.

2) You’re a natural communicator

Talking to your pets like they’re humans suggests that you understand the essence of communication isn’t just about words, but also about connecting on an emotional level.  Psychologist and linguist Steven Pinker once said, “Language is not just a means of communication, it’s a tool for thinking”.

Maybe when we talk to our pets like humans, it’s not just about communicating with them, but also about understanding our thoughts and emotions better.  So if you’re a pet chatterbox, it’s likely you’re an effective communicator – with both animals and humans.

3) You aren’t afraid of being vulnerable

Have you ever found yourself pouring your heart out to your pet, sharing your deepest fears and secrets?  That raw honesty and openness is a distinct trait among those who talk to their pets like humans.

You see, our pets offer a judgment-free zone where we can be completely ourselves, without the fear of criticism or rejection. And that’s not a small thing.  It shows you’re comfortable with vulnerability – a trait that renowned psychologist Brené Brown calls “the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love.”

Brown once said, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”  By being open and honest with your pets, you’re exhibiting courage and strength.

So if you’re someone who bares their soul to their furry friend, remember – it’s not odd, it’s an admirable trait reflecting strength and authenticity.

4) You’re an excellent stress manager

If you’re a pet owner who talks to your pets like humans, your stress management skills are probably top-notch.  A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found that pet owners had significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure levels in stressful situations compared to those without pets.

Moreover, they also demonstrated fewer behavioral and physiological responses to stress when their pet was present.  So, when you’re talking to your pets, you’re essentially practicing a form of stress relief.

By vocalizing your thoughts and emotions, you might be unknowingly reducing your stress levels and improving your overall mental health.

So, the next time you’re caught in a conversation with your cat or dog, know that it’s not just adorable, it’s also a great way to manage stress!

5) Your creativity shines

Have you ever noticed how you alter your voice or use specific words while talking to your pet? Or perhaps, you’ve created a whole new language just for them?  This is your creative flair in action.

Creativity isn’t just about painting masterpieces or writing novels; it’s also about how we communicate and interact with the world around us, including our pets.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi once said, “Creativity is a central source of meaning in our lives… most of the things that are interesting, important, and human are the results of creativity.”

In my case, I’ve noticed I tend to make up silly words and phrases when talking to my dog – it’s our unique language that no one else understands.

And it’s not just fun, it’s a testament to my creativity.

So if you’re someone who talks to your pets like humans, you’re not only a great communicator but also a creative genius in your own right.

6) You’re more self-aware than you think

This may sound counterintuitive, but talking to your pets like they’re humans could be a sign of heightened self-awareness.  When you communicate with your pets, you’re not just talking at them; you’re also listening to yourself.  You reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and in the process, learn more about who you are as a person.

Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychologist, once said, “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

Perhaps, in our interaction with our pets, we’re looking into our hearts more often than we realize.  So next time you find yourself in deep conversation with your cat or dog, remember – it’s not just pet talk; it could be a journey towards greater self-awareness.

7) You’re a good listener

Lastly, if you talk to your pets like humans, there’s a high chance you’re a good listener.

You’re not just waiting for your turn to speak; you’re genuinely interested in what they might “say” back.

As psychologist Carl Rogers said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you…It is damn nice.”

Whether it’s your human friends or your animal pals, being a good listener is a trait that makes you more approachable and compassionate.

Can you relate to any of these 7 traits?  I can.  Comment below and let me know how you connect and communicate with your pet.  I would love to hear about their reactions!  Jake and Maggie will look directly at me as if what I’m saying is so important and even tilt their head to certain words :-).

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