DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I have started talking to a super sweet guy. We have a lot in common, which I find very promising.
The one thing we don’t share is a love of dogs. I have three of them, and to me they are my kids. But he refuses to stay at my place because of them and if I stay at his I have to have someone dog-sit for me, which can be expensive if one of my friends can’t do it.
I have never been with a guy this nice and being with him is beyond awesome, but I don’t know where we’ll go from here if it means I have to give up my fur babies to be with him.
How do I sell this guy on how great my dogs are? --- LOVE MY DOGS
DEAR LOVE MY DOGS: I’m not sure you can convert a non-dog person into a dog lover overnight, or at all.
If your new interest is unwilling to give your dogs a chance, then it seems likely to me that, as you foresee, should your relationship progress into something longer term, you may eventually find yourself having to choose between your furry friends and the man in your life.
It might be worth trying to gradually introduce him to at least one of your beloved dogs, particularly if the pet is gentle, well-behaved, and tolerant of new people.
Let them get acquainted somewhere such as a park or a trail or a dog-friendly eatery with outdoor seating, where there’s plenty of room to give both man and dog a comfortable distance while they observe and evaluate each other.
By bringing them together on neutral territory, you’ll potentially gain a better idea of whether or not there’s a chance you won’t have to make a tough decision down the road.