I had some plans for what to write today, but then I read a fellow post from the
, which you should read here:You back? Cool.
Although the post’s conclusion is more closely related to thoughts I’ve had about dream mashups and scarcity mindset, the intro triggered some thoughts I’ve been juggling about the dogs in my life.
One unexpected thing about my relationship with my girlfriend is that it’s provided a peek into the world of two very different dogs: her dog (Mina) and my family’s dog (Sora).
They live very different lives.
Related to the OG post, Sora will devour any scrap of food he can get his sharp little teeth on (or even non-food – he loves napkins…). Mina will turn her nose up at the takeout we’re eating for dinner if it’s not to her liking.
Sora is on a leash when he’s outside. Mina gets free reign.
But more importantly, I’ve also gotten to compare very different human reactions to the same, undesirable situation.
When Sora has gone to the bathroom indoors, my reaction has been punitive. There are scolding “no”s and lots of gesturing at the mess. I’m satisfied when Sora slinks his tail and looks like he’s sorry.
In comparison, when I saw it happen with Mina, my girlfriend didn’t have the slightest hint of irritation. In fact, it was the exact opposite. She laughed. “Why are you so silly?”, she asked Mina.
Can you imagine my bewilderment at seeing her reaction compared to my mental model of what I thought was going to happen? What I grew up thinking was the only response?
This feels like a Goofus and Gallant bit, but I just think one of the greatest gifts I’ve received from my girlfriend is simply being the witness to pure, unconditional love.
There is no need to do things “right”. There is just kindness.