As I grapple with this question, I am struck by the fact that the worse the crime - the more offensive the act - the easier it seems for society to forgive and forget. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Roman Polanski is a prime example. Drug and rape a 13 year old girl? Apparently, lots of folks have already let that one slide. Cheat on your spouse? Practically a prerequisite for public service jobs these days.
However, there are issues I cringe about commenting on when I am at your blogs. Crimes I am committing that touch such a visceral nerve that I just know you all will never forgive me. Crimes such as...I don't like dogs.
There. I've said it. Now don't get all riled up yet. I'm not going to sneak past your invisible fence and harm poor Fido anytime soon. I'm just not going to go out of my way to pet Fido or offer up my crotch for his smelling pleasure.But admit it. Any of you that are dog people are right now wondering what could have gone so wrong in my formative years to make me such a warped adult.
Another area that usually gets a less than desirable reaction - when I admit to people that I don't eat meat. Yikes. I can hear you all screaming through the screen. It really is OK. I don't mind that some or most of you all eat meat. My own children eat meat. I feed it to them. Oh no. Now I've got the vegetarians mad at me too.
So why this imbalance? Why do issues such as which type of pet we like or what we eat cause longer and more vehemently written comments than lying, cheating, or stealing? The only thing I can imagine is that we tend to think that the smaller issues are ones that people are judging each other on. Childbirth falls into this category. Thank goodness I'm covered on that one. I've had everything from a scheduled c-section, to a natural hospital birth to a home birth. I struggled with infertility for years and was on two lists to adopt. I had twins, singleton births and a miscarriage.It's a minefield out there just trying to decide what truths to admit to and which ones to keep to myself. So I've decided to just be completely honest and trust that you all will accept the real me.
But I bet you still think less of me because I don't like dogs.
Posts
111 comments:
i don't think less of you because you dislike dogs, even though i have two of them. i don't like cats. i'm allergic to both cats and dogs, but i love my dogs so i live with the allergy. if a neighbors cat is in our yard, i let my dogs out to go get it. take care.
I still like you a LOT!
That's why I'm here every day.
Have to go take the dog out now, Bye!
Secretia (Secret Story Time)
I have a dog, but I'm much more of a cat person. Actually (ducks for cover)I'd pretty much be okay without pets completely. I have one vegetarian daughter - the rest of us are omnivores - but I cook veg at least 4 times a week.
I think it's the smaller things that become more controversial because we can all relate to them. Most of us can not personally relate to a rich, talented, child rapist. We'll judge it - but it doesn't hit close to home. What creatures live in our house, what we eat, where or if we worship - those are things that are universally relatable. And we all want reassurance that the choices we've made are the right ones. And if someone else makes different choices - well - that must mean either we or they are wrong. And we don't want it to be us. :-)
I figure there's room for all sorts of opinions and choices. I've made mine (for the most part) and I can respect others who have made theirs (for the most part).
I am not a big pet person period...have had enough of them. We have two cats and I refuse to clean the cat box. Kids wanted them husband wanted them, let them do it. I have had a dog but dont want another..never say never but ...
And no meat OMG.... lol.. hey I figure to each his own.
So do you cheat on your spouse... jk
You would like dogs if you met mine! ;) I do eat meat, but I could very easily be a vegetarian, so I totally understand that.
I like you BECAUSE of your differences. That's what makes everything interesting... how boring if everyone was just like me.. I wouldn't learn a darn thing.
My mom is a vegetarian, and raised two carnivores! We all love dogs though, but I know people who don't! I don't think any less of you!
You don't like dogs?! You're not our mail carrier, are you?
KIDDING!
I don't think any less of you - besides, if we all liked the exact same things, we'd have a very boring world. You make this world a little less boring. :)
I wish I could get the Princess Nagger to eat more veggies...she's so anti-vegetable it's not funny. She's too smart, too - she figured out the spinach pizza really wasn't basil and cheese. So I have to figure out how to sneak her some veggies when I can! ;)
It's less complicated to get upset about these things because the other ones cause us to second guess intimacy & love that we have in our relationships.
Shhh! Don't tell...I hate cats. They creep me out...I don't even like to touch them. Hope we can still be friends.
Not a pet person either - but thanks, you did remind me that no one has feed the dwarf frogs lately. Am I a horrible mother if I hope the results are not good?
No worries about the meat thing. I adore you just the way you are.
P.S. I'm not a baby person. My own, totally cool, other people's, not so much. How's that for a confession?
There's never any sense in pretending to be someone you're not!
I didn't used to like dogs - I've now met one or two that I can get on with, but it still doesn't make me happy to meet new dogs I don't know.
Oh, and I'm a vegetarian :)
I'm not a pet person but my entire family is. However, no pets in my house because I rule. I'm pretty sure they all hate me. Not the pets but my family.
I find it's giving birth to twins that I can't forgive. Do you know what it's like to be a twin? It's a painful headtrip, I kid you not! It's been 45 years of painful experiences. I think any mom worth her salt should avoid twins at all costs! (Kidding, people!)
Confess away. LOL!! You are YOU and that's why we enJOY your blog!!
Half my family thinks I'm evil because I'm not a pet person. Any pet. Someone once gave us a fish because they didn't have the heart to flush it and they were moving. We waited a few days, and then let the little fish go into our pond outside so it could "play with it's big fish friends".
I like you more for not liking dogs! I never want to own one of those.
Now, if you'll excuse me---I'm headed to an all you can eat meat buffet:)
You are not alone. I don't particularly like dogs, either.
I eat dogs. There. I said it. Let the abusive comments begin...
It's just that they're so good with a side of vegetarians, you know? It's like a plate full of "the other white meat".
It is intesresting that people seem to lose perspective on things. You are right it seems that society forgives unspeakable wrongs, but something as simple as not liking dogs is unforgiveable in some peoples minds. I don't like dongs much myself. They scare me. I got bit by a dog once. Hard to get over and I fear them at parks expecially when they come near my kids and especially certain breeds.
well, no one's perfect. . . : )
my hubby is like you...
I don't suspect there is any need to offer up your crotch to Fido. I've found on the whole that Fido (that mythical but ever-present hound) will go for a crotch regardless.
there are a lot of people that don't like dogs. doesn't mean i'm not going to share with them all how i LOVE mine and i baby him to no end ;) i'm NOT a cat person at all!
& i still like ya :)
Oh no! I post about dogs today. But you can hate all you want.
i don't see how anyone could be annoyed with a vegetarian. whatever your reasons are, it's healthier and better for the environment. (nothing compared to drugging and raping a thirteen year old).
I dont think less of you and I am always afraid to admit it too.. I don't like dogs.
I've never been bitten or anything like that, i just don't like them. Im a cat person.
As for not eating meat, i applaud you. meat is not the best thing to eat but I dont like veggies enough to make them my only source of nutrition.
http://www.thewannabewahm.com
I just cant get over the fact you dont like dogs.
I think its a deal breaker for me.
I mean really. You dont like mans best friend??
It was nice getting to know ya.
I just want you to know Im totally kidding.
But dont some people get all riled up like that? (ok, so I am occasionally one of those people too. After reading my post on my love for Winnie the Pooh... one of my readers send me this..
http://readyset40.blogspot.com/2009/10/just-little-swine-flu-humor.html
and it I did not think it was funny. But on a different day, I would. Maybe. Cause shes such a sweet reader! I am now confused.)
But anywho... I LOVE your style, your personality, your fabulous blog... even if you dont like kids. Oh. I mean dogs.
he he
Blessings-
Amanda
You are right! I agree with the cheating on your spouse as a prerequisite, no one even seems surprised anymore. I think people are more judgemental about small things because it just hits closer to home. I have admitted on occasion that I don't like Thanksgiving turkey and the response I got was pretty bad!
It's okay - feel free to ignore my adorable doggy pictures and beef stew recipes. It'd be boring if we all liked the same things.
But I can relate to that feeling of tiptoeing through the minefield...
Hey, as long as you like goats......
Yeah...why are people so harsh about the little things? And you know...I don't eat much meat, either. Can't stand the thought of animals in CAFOs, and I seriously ruin the meat every time I try and cook it. Bring on the rice and beans, baby! :)
And we don't have a dog :)
Oh man, don't be silly. Some people don't like dogs :) I have a bird and tons of people don't like them. You know when people asked me -when I was pregnant - did I want a boy or a girl I said "I want a c-section"
I horrified a whole lot of people
The nice thing about your thoughts is that they are yours, and your allowed :)
I use to love dogs and hate cats, till I got a kitten. Now I think dogs are just dirty and trouble. Even though my kitty is a pain in the butt, she is way more friendlier and cleaner that any dogs I've had. LOL
i'm not a dog person either! i had a pit bull chasing me during my run this weekend and the dog lover across the street said "oh, its just a puppy!"
i don't care! its still a pit bull!!
What an honest post. Obviously I dont think any less of you as a person because you dont like dogs.. but it is true that as a society we seem to forgive and forget some pretty horrible things, but it is the little things that we hold on to and gossip about. :) I think its great that you are being completely honest! It not only makes you feel free, but it makes for some awesome blogs!
p.s. I HATE CATS! They completely ferak me out :)
Yaaay! I'm a vegetarian too!
My worst confession: I don't want to have children. I suspect I'll soon reach the age where I'll seem suspicious but I DON'T CARE! I think it's hard enough to just take care of myself and no, I will not find the right man and change my mind because I don't want a man in my life. Etc. There are many reasons. If I by some sort of magic suddenly had a baby to take care of I would definitely do my very best in this difficult world but it's not something I would choose.
But do you like cats?
I don't like crocs (and that has gotten me in a lot of hot water on my blog)
You are wonderful just the way you are...
I'm a dog owner and I totally understand when people don't care for dogs. They ain't easy and sometimes can be cumbersome. But I like them. I don't judge (and shocker here) I don't really care if people do or don't like animals. It's all about the fruit, baby. Good trees=good fruits and all that.
I dont like cats...at all. And I eat meat...will you still like me?
I'm a cat lover and tolerate dogs.
My sons have asthma and I have been told, no pets.
Even though the boys love all things dog, it's a good excuse for telling them, nope, sorry.
I am glad I saw your blog on SITs, sitsa!
i don't like my dog most of the time.
meat? i like.
you? i like and will keep reading!
I love cats and dogs and I still like you. :-)
I still love you even if you don't like dogs.
if it makes you feel better, i hate other peoples kids, I hate other peoples pets, and I am a semi vegan but i eat meat sometimes...
You know...I wonder if we jump on people for the small offenses (I don't like breakfast burritos!) because...maybe you LOVE (!) breakfast burritos, and they make you so HAPPY (!) and you want me to be HAPPY (!) TOO (!).
But, if I'm a pedophile who pushes old ladies down the stairs...I'm obviously completely depraved, and therefore perfect for public office. And since you find no joy in pushing old ladies down the stairs, but you YOURSELF are not an old lady (and therefore in no danger), it's easy to simply accept the fact and move on. We're weird like that.
I'm not a big dog lover, but I don't dislike them either. And - I don't care if you don't eat meat. I still like you!
I think the little things cause so much uproar because people can NOT relate to them. I mean, who hasn't wanted to get freaky with Spitzer's mistress or Senator Craig's cabana boy? And who hasn't thought about lying to cover their own ass?
But not eating meat is a horribly useless gesture and brings unnecessary suffering to millions of edible plants annually. Won't you please think of the plants?
This is a great question. We all like to be the same. We forgive killing someone because even though we have not killed anyone we may know what it feels like to want to kill someone, so in a way we are the same, however confess that you are different from the masses and you will be judged, maybe even shunned by otherwise polite society. I don't like to watch sports, as a man that makes me very suspect among other men. I don't like to hang out at a bar, for some men this is also unforgivable. I think we can and do forgive that which we relate to or for people like Roman Polanski we forgive because of stature or accomplishments.
It is confessing that you are not like everyone else that disturbs other people.
BTW - I don't think any less of you for not liking dogs. That is okay!
That's so funny. I hate dogs, and I've been so scared to admit it on my blog, for precisely the same reason. Maybe there should be a button. I have an even worse one I don't like to admit to: I don't like my own cats.
I'll still read your blog, you know.
I think you're fine. I thought blogging was about you, not what everyone else thinks you should be??? =)
I think you're funny. I have to agree with you on this post.
I might have forgiven you for the dog thing but a vegetarian to boot?! *faints* LOL ;)
I have gotten the same response as you, when admitting I don't like dogs. I am the only one in my biological family that feels that way. (Hubby feels the same as I do.)
Oh, sure, they are cute and all, but I don't want them living in my house....or sniffing me....or drooling on me.
That's ok --I don't like Cats. I have been known to say the only reason God created cats was for road kill. So if you like cats, does that mean you hate me. NO
NO I don't hate you for hating dogs.
I like blogs where people are honest and willing to admit their weaknesses and faults. It is how we grow --learning from others.
It's what makes life interesting....some say potatoe, some say potatoe (that doesn't come across right on a blog does it, tee hee)
I'm with you: I don't like dogs. The little ones I can tolerate for a bit but the big ones freak me out. I swear that they want to bite my throat out. They sense my fear, I just know it...
As for not eating meat, well, more power to you! I couldn't do it because I love my cows but I think it's awesome that some people can go without it.
How silly. I often wonder how on earth people like cats, lol. But I do love dogs. HOWEVER...when these two "go"...no more. I'm done.
And I can't believe people are actually sticking up for polanski? this world is frickin crazy.
My best friend doesn't particularly like dogs, but I still love her. I'm a true, blue dog lover, through and through. I even eat meat occasionally, but love fruits and veggies.
I don't like dog owners who don't take care of their dogs, and those who poop in my yard. And believe me, I can tell the difference between my Baxter's poop (golden retriever) and a toy poodle's poop.
Enough of that, don't want to cause a stink. LOL
Thank you for stopping by.
I truly enjoyed your post (and that's the truth).
You don't like dogs...I don't care. You have your reason and I respect that. I loved my dog (before she died)and I still miss her, but I don't like all dogs.
I dislike cats a lot. I tolerate my friend's cat when I go over there.
You don't eat meat, oh well...come over and you can have a salad. I am a picky eater and honestly some of the recipes on some blogs I would never make in a million years.
I don't know you yet, but because of your honesty I already like you.
I accept you hands down! Other issues are "breastfeeding" and "working vs SAHM" issues! I try to avoid it all! I think our differences are what makes the world so interesting. We complement each other.
ps....I have two dogs. ♥
I hear ya, girlfriend....vegetarian girlfriend yay woot!!!! lol....but you know, I've never really cared what others think of my likes or dislikes....unless it impinges on me. If someone's dog bothers me, I'll shove it away with my foot. If they get upset, they get a lesson in how to treat people.
Wait. Maybe I'm just really scary?
:)
I don't like dogs either, but I do like meat. I would give it up if I could. I realized the other day when live lobsters were on sale that I could never kill anything myself to eat it. And if I can't kill it, what business do I have eating it?
Only I have no idea how to eat if I don't eat meat. I don't love beans or vegetables :S
You're weird!
I still like you though.
I come here for your sense of humor, not what you like and don't like. That's what makes this country great anyway - we're all so different.
I will close here with a quote from the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding: "What you mean you don't eat no meat! (pause and stares from family members) Okay, no problem, I cook lamb for you." ;-)
I used to not like dogs either and I would never admit it out loud. I would fake it with other peoples dogs. I didn't like the slobber, sniffing..etc. Then a few months ago we broke down because our boys wanted a dog... now I kind of get it. You get attached...
But here is the question: Do you dislike dogs enough to eat dog meat?
HAHAHAHA!
OK ... perhaps I need to take a blogging break now. I'm losing it.
I like dogs. . . or really the singular "dog". . . only my own. . . I can't stand other people's dogs. . .or their children. . .
You don't like dogs!!!
OMG!!!!
I can never come back here again :(
No seriously. I'm kidding.
I do have to say something though.....
I don't like cats.
And my mother in law has 4.
You know how hard it is to pretend when you just want to grab them by their fluffy tail and swing them around?
Sure don't think less of you. Not a dog fan, myself, either.
And, I eat meat, but did the vegetarian thing for a while, too.
Now, if you start telling me about hurting kids..well, then I'm walking:)
My husband doesn't like dogs either and I still love him :-)
You know what? You make a good point, and one that I hadn't before considered. We DO get all riled up over the little stuff...childbirth, mothering, whether or not our neighbor recycles properly.
BTW - I don't eat meat either, and my family is pressuring me to get a dog. Blech.
:) You're too funny! I do what you mean though, I don't like cats! lol
You are the bravest among us, my friend, to admit you don't like dogs. Well High Five! from me to you, because me neither. I just don't get the pull. And they make me a little nervous. Oh and I'm allergic. Plus I've already got 3 children to clean up after. Why, for Heaven's sake, would I need another animal to tame?
Blessings, C~
I'm not a dog person, so thanks for admitting that you don't like dogs either. I live in a city that is all about dog-people - all over the place with their plastic bags picking up a big hunk o...nuff said. - G
Do you like cats? Chimpanzees? Budgies? koala bears?
Yeah, the dog thing is definitely a problem. I don't have one right now, either, however. Trying to decide if I want the responsibility.
But, you redeem yourself with natural childbirth. Gotta admire the home birth also.
Like my opinion matter. Ha!
I totally get you on not liking dogs. We had dogs while I was growing up but as an adult I have no desire to own one. Hermit crabs? Yes. A cat? Yes. Rabbits? Yes. But no dogs...they just don't suit my fancy I guess.
I love dogs, don't eat meat and have adopted two kids.
All of this has taught me not to judge but to accept people as they are!
Diversity (likes and dislikes) can be celebrated. Criminal behaviour? No applause here.
I don't think less of you at all. I guess if we ever go to lunch again, I won't suggest a hot dog joint! ;-)
I thoroughly enjoyed your confessional, Debbie. Although I doubt there is anything that you could tell me that would turn me away from your blog.
-Francesca
PS: If it helps to even the playing field, I passionately despise cats.
As for dogs, I had to have one of my own before I could really appreciate them.
The children thing is the subject that I dare not bring up.
I don't mind that you don't like dogs. I'm a cat person myself. Greg's dog tolerates me and it goes both ways. She can be a sweetie, but I wouldn't be the one saying, "Oh, let's get a dog." Nope, she came with the Greg package and we make it work. Lol.
As for eating meat, Greg is the meat and potatoes guy. I'm happy that he cooks, so I eat it. But I love veggies. Does that make me more tolerable for you? *smiles*
I'm not that big on all the animals. They are nice to look at in an outdoorsy environment, maybe with a nice majestic scene behind them, but that's it. We have a dozen different critters at our home (probably because I'm a father who doesn't know how to say no), but I'm only partial to the one fat cat who has a foot fetish. And I think that 's only because he keeps my feet warm during the winter time. I'd probably like them more if they cleaned up after themselves.
I don't care what anybody eats.
I love dogs, but only mine. I have a hard time dealing with other people's pets. Same with kids. I LOVE my child, but in general, I do not like kids. I get the evil eye anytime someone finds that out.
You're right though. Our society seems to forgive and forget so easily when it comes to crimes. I feel like its a lack of morals. Just looking around at the way people (especially kids/teens) behave today...I seriously wonder what happened to having good morals and ethical standards.
I'm just so dang relieved that you don't eat dogs. We would have to break up over that.
OK, I have 2 dogs and I post meat probably every other time I post BUT I still like you :) Actually, I am jealous of you. My dogs are making me miserable and I secretly long for the day I have a dogless house.
Debbie, you're still great in my book! I like dogs even though we don't have one. My husband thinks that they are too much maintenance. I have considered taking meat out of my diet. All of the men here in my house would not do well without meat:)
My tolerance for personal differences is big enough to cover both of these.
On the other hand, if you don't like french fries, please don't ever tell me that.
hmmmm, are you a cat person? Although I'm a dog person I can understand your dislike if you're a cat person. : )
thanks for stopping by my blog!
No hate here. I'm not a big dog person myself. I don't hate them, but give me cats any day!
I HATE DOGS.
That's it. I'm not reading your blog any more. ;) hehe
I think one of the most wonderful things about this world is that we are all different! People judge me every day on random things. It happens to all of us. It's okay. Let them judge. I am who I am, you are who you are...and that's okay!
If we all didn't like dogs & didn't eat meat, there'd be a lot of lonely dogs & even more fat cows roaming the streets.
p.s. My best friend is vegan. :)
Just don't tell me that you like cats and it's all good.
Looks like we have a few things in common.
OK, I like dogs, just not in my house.
I like dogs and I eat meat, but I'm still appalled by those who want to see Polanski released and public figures who cheat on their wives and then drag their wives through the publicity mess they created. I am much more inclined to judge pedophiles and cheater more harshly than I am dog hating vegetarians :)
Nope, don't think less of you because you don't like dogs. I still love ya and I'm a huge dog lover. Everyone has their likes and disliked and that's okay with me. I think your honesty is totally refreshing. That's why I love your blog so much. Thanks for stopping by Debbie and for your sweet comment regarding my foster care post. Keeping my fingers crossed.
No, I don't think less of you. I am a dog person. What I hate though are dog people who think everyone should be in love w/ their dog. I don't want Fluffy coming to my house, parties, etc. I leave my Fluffy home they can leave theirs home too.
Have you noticed that it's acceptable to say that you don't like cats, but saying "I don't like dogs" gets the same reaction that "I like to kick dogs" would? Dog people are so militant.
Just in case you're wondering - I don't have a preference. Or more acurately, my only preference is for not having to pick up poop.
I don't like dogs, either. And I like organized religion. But I voted Democrat. Nobody likes me...
Hey! To each his/her own personal preference. I like dogs but don't have one -mainly because we're a bit cramped for space now what with two young children, a 17-year-old, my daughter, her husband and me along with two adult cats and 6, yes 6, lovely little kittens. (Lovely my ass! The little buggers are starting to climb out of their box now and that means it will be many, many search and destroy missions in the near future to track down their smelly little leavings until we get them litter trained! (Whoever said training cats was a walk in the park is a freaking liar!)
I also eat meat too but would never condemn your for opting not to partake of that although I do confess I might be really hard put as to figuring out what to cook if you ever stopped by my house and were to join us for supper, that's all.
And the politicians/celebrities and their flaunting of their "sins" and such -boy, do I EVER agree with you there!
I don't like cats, one scratched me when I was little and now I've turned my back on them, not to mention that I'm deathly allergic to them but that's a different story...
I don't hate dogs and will pet them but...
they have usually have an odor to them. Plus, you really need to wash a thick film of filth off your hands after you pet them. I like how cats keep their mess neatly in the litter box.
I also do not understand why anyone cares what you eat?? or don't eat. I have seen my coworkers freak on vegetarians too.
Not even a little bitty cute puppy? ;)
No worries - it's ok that you don't like dogs... I'm not a cat person and hope no one holds that against me!
I don't think less of your re the dogs, but I bet your think less of people who post pics of their dogs ... wearing costumes? Ha.
I'm with you on the veg stuff. I posted about it today.
We non-dog liking vegetarians must unite :D
Pst... I don't like dogs either. The lady next door always wants you to pet hers and encourages it to give you "kisses"... Shudder.
I don't like dogs either!!!! My boss still freaks out every time she hears me say that, but it's true. When people let their dogs lick their faces and dishes..ewwwwww!!!!!!
I'm working on becoming vegetarian...so rock on sista-friend. :)
I actually know a lot of folks who aren't thrilled with dogs or are actually scared of them. Me? I love them. But it's okay with me if you don't...promise.
I am married to a current non lover of dogs and all thing dog. It's such a divided household. The kids are taking sides. It's getting ugly. I told the man "Dog or new baby!" Yikes! What am I thinking...hmm..crazy much? ;o)
My best, Lynn
I love the real you.
It's about tolerance, and I want to write about that, but I am sure I could not say it in a way to not irritate pretty much everyone who reads my blog. People have little or no tolerance for people not like themselves--unless the people are rich and famous and share their personal political views.
As for dogs? I won't judge you if you won't judge me for loving mine. He won't sniff your crotch, but if you're only visiting for 2 or 3 hours, I promise to lock him up to make you more comfortable.
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