Answer Summary

Members shared their varied relationships with pets, with many relating to the original poster's discomfort with physical closeness to animals... Read more

Members shared their varied relationships with pets, with many relating to the original poster's discomfort with physical closeness to animals despite recognizing their emotional value. Several members described setting boundaries with their pets, such as not allowing them in beds or using spray bottles to discourage unwanted contact, while acknowledging that conditions like fibromyalgia heighten sensitivity to touch, smells, and the constant demands of pet care. A recurring theme was that it's perfectly valid to appreciate animals from a distance or prioritize practical solutions over physical affection, with the community affirming that different comfort levels with pets don't make someone wrong or alone in their experience.