When I see a dog, my instinct is to say hello. Same with cats, or even horses. They get my attention straight away, usually with a smile and a bit of fuss.
When I see a person, it’s different. My first thought is often to look away, avoid eye contact, and keep walking. Not because I dislike people. I actually enjoy being around them, especially one-to-one. It’s just that people are… well… unpredictable.
People vs Animals
Let’s face it, people can be awkward, grumpy, glued to their phones, or not really listening. Sometimes you say hello and all you get back is a grunt.
Animals don’t do that.
Say hello to a dog and you’ll almost always get a tail wag, maybe even a lick. And I don’t care if they jump up at me. Not one bit. Cats might roll onto their backs, paws in the air, daring you to go in for the belly rub – and with me, they get the belly rub!
It’s simple, straightforward, and warm.
I’m not suggesting people should wag their tails, lick, or roll over in public. That would be rather odd and these days it could lead to arrest or signing up to some register! But a smile wouldn’t hurt.
The Awkward Middle Ground – Damn!
The real dilemma comes when a dog has a person attached. I want to fuss the dog, but that means small talk with the human. Do I risk it? Do I ignore the dog and feel guilty – and regret? Or do I crouch down, make a fuss of the dog, and just pretend the human isn’t there?
It sounds trivial, but it captures the whole thing. Dogs are safe ground. People are a gamble.
Maybe It’s Just Me
I sometimes wonder if this is just how my brain’s wired. Could be a bit of ADHD, maybe a sprinkle of ASD, or maybe it’s just life in general. With people, there are rules and signals to navigate. With animals, there aren’t. You can be yourself and they’ll still greet you like you’ve just come home from war.
And honestly, who wouldn’t prefer that?
So yes, when I see a dog, I say hello. When I see a person, I hesitate. And when I see both together… well, let’s just say I’m still working on it.
But honestly, maybe the world would be a brighter place if people acted a bit more like dogs. A wag, a smile, and a genuine “glad you’re here” never goes amiss.
Questions and Answers About Dogs, People and Awkward Hellos
Why Do People Often Find It Easier to Talk to Dogs Than Humans?
Dogs give instant, unconditional reactions. Humans, on the other hand, come with moods, social rules, and the risk of awkward silence.
Is It Rude to Say Hello to Someone’s Dog but Not to Them?
Some owners might see it as cheeky, but most are used to it. If you give the dog fuss, a polite nod to the human keeps things balanced.
Can Preferring Animals Over People Be Linked to ADHD or ASD?
It can be. Many people with ADHD or ASD find human interaction overwhelming, while animals feel safe and predictable. That said, plenty of neurotypical people also feel the same way.
Why Do Animals Feel More Genuine Than People?
Because they are. Dogs and cats have no hidden agenda, they react in the moment. People, unfortunately, often have other things on their mind.
How Do You Handle Small Talk with Dog Owners When You Only Want to Fuss the Dog?
Keep it short and light. A quick “lovely dog” usually covers it, then you can focus on the tail wagging in front of you.
Would the World Really Be Better If People Acted More Like Dogs?
In many ways, yes. A bit more warmth, a smile, and being glad to see each other would go a long way.