For years, I’ve been fascinated with human behavior, especially when it comes to how we interact with our pets.

You know what I’m talking about: full-blown conversations with our furry friends, using a special voice only reserved for them and even expecting them to respond back!

Sounds familiar?

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast. And for a long time, I found myself intrigued by this behavior. What did it really say about us?

Then, after extensive research and digging into the realm of psychology, I discovered some pretty interesting traits that people who talk to their pets like humans usually exhibit.

In this article, I’ll be sharing these 7 fascinating traits. I hope you find them as intriguing as I did.

Let’s dive in.

1) Empathetic

It wasn’t just about treating their pets as companions; it was about understanding them, connecting with them on a deeper level.

Empathy, in psychological terms, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. And these pet owners seemed to have it in spades.

They could sense when their pets were happy, anxious, or upset and would adjust their behavior accordingly. Whether it was a comforting cuddle or a soothing voice, they knew just what to do to make their pets feel safe and loved.

This level of empathy tended to extend beyond their pets too. These individuals often showed a deep understanding and compassion towards the people around them as well.

So, if you find yourself having heart-to-heart chats with your furry friend, you might just be more empathetic than you realize.

2) High emotional intelligence

As someone who often finds himself chatting with his pet dog, I began to notice that this wasn’t just about idle talk. It was about being aware of my emotions, my pet’s emotions, and how to handle them effectively.

Daniel Goleman, a renowned psychologist and author, once said, “Emotional intelligence begins to develop in the earliest years. All the small exchanges children have with their parents, teachers, and with each other carry emotional messages.”

I found this quote particularly relevant.

From a young age, I was always the kid who would talk to animals as if they understood me. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just a quirky trait; it was a sign of heightened emotional intelligence.

I could understand my feelings and manage them well. I could also pick up on the emotions of others – including my pets – and respond appropriately.

3) Comfortable with solitude

I remember when I first got my pet dog, Max. At that time, I was going through a tough phase in my life and often found myself alone at home.

But here’s the thing: I never felt lonely.

Having Max around, talking to him, sharing my thoughts and feelings – it gave me a sense of companionship, even when there was no one else around.

What I realized is that people who talk to their pets like humans are often comfortable being alone. They don’t rely on constant human interaction to feel connected or content. Instead, they find companionship and emotional fulfilment in their relationship with their pets.

If you find yourself happily chatting away with your pet and enjoying your alone time, it’s likely you’re very comfortable with solitude.

4) Creative thinkers

This might seem like a stretch, but hear me out.

There’s a study conducted by the University of Chicago that suggests talking to yourself promotes cognitive function and problem-solving ability. Now, extend this concept to talking to your pets.

In my experience, I’ve found that chatting with my pet dog has often helped me think outside the box. It’s almost like brainstorming with a silent partner.

I would voice my thoughts and problems out loud, and often, this process would lead to new perspectives and solutions.

So, if you’re someone who regularly converses with your pet, don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming up with creative solutions more often than not.

5) Cultivators of mindfulness

Mindfulness, in simple terms, is about being fully present and engaged in the moment. And talking to your pet, believe it or not, can be a great way to practice this.

Whenever I spend time with my pet dog, Max, chatting away about my day or just random thoughts, I find myself completely immersed in that moment. I’m not worrying about the past or the future; I’m just there with him, enjoying our interaction.

If you’re someone who talks to their pet like a human, you might be unknowingly cultivating mindfulness in your daily life.

6) Nurturing nature

Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” And I believe this applies to how we treat our pets.

I remember when Max was just a puppy.

He was a handful, but taking care of him, teaching him tricks, and talking to him like he was part of the family – it all felt natural to me. I enjoyed nurturing him and watching him grow.

This nurturing nature often extends beyond pets. People who talk to their pets like humans tend to be caregivers in their relationships, always looking out for others and ensuring they’re taken care of.

7) Champions of authenticity

You might wonder, “How does talking to a pet, who doesn’t understand our language, relate to authenticity?”

Well, it’s simple. When we talk to our pets, we often express our thoughts and feelings without any pretense or fear of judgment. We’re just being ourselves, unfiltered and genuine.

In my case, when I talk to Max, I don’t hold back. I tell him about my day, my worries, my joys – everything. It’s a liberating experience that allows me to be my true self.

Authenticity is about being true to yourself and expressing your genuine feelings. And talking to your pet like a human is a great way to practice this every day.

So here’s a practical for you: Next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try having an honest conversation with your pet. You might be surprised at how therapeutic it can be.

Conclusion

Remember, we’re all unique. These traits are not definitive, but they do highlight some commonalities that might help us understand ourselves and each other a little better.

As a final piece of advice: embrace your quirks. If talking to your pet like a human comes naturally to you, don’t hold back. It’s a part of who you are and can be a gateway to various positive traits and practices.

So go ahead, have that chat with your furry friend. You might just discover more about yourself in the process.