Thank you all who joined with me for this week’s discussion board!
“Our Relatives Keep Bringing Their Dog Over. How Can We Stop Them?” This is the article that I selected from the Ethicist’s column in the New York Times, which is that the ethicists will help people to solve their annoyance. This article has about three stories but I want to specifically focus on the first one which is also the story in the title.
This visitor is uncomfortable with her brother-in-law and his wife bringing their dog over every time they visit her home because her husband and children don’t really like pets. She also thinks that both of them truly enjoy their company because they are always running around after the dog even though they are together. In this situation, she has tried hinting that they should get a dog sitter and leave the dog at home, but without success. As a result, this person is sad that they don’t want to invite them over as often because of the pet.
The ethicist advises this person to be clear and direct with her family about their discomfort with the dog. I like how the ethicist said “Instead, the approach you chose – avoiding tension by staying silent – is now driving you all apart.” which means that if you keep silent, your in-laws will never know your aversion and your relationship will become worse.
I like this article because my aunty recently got a cat and my younger brother is scared of furry companions (it’s weird, idk why but he just can’t). We used to go to her house and play games together but now it’s less. We tell my aunty directly that my brother can’t stay with cats and she understands it. I don’t think we have become less close, but the time we spend together has indeed decreased.
So here are your questions:
- If you are the visitor that has difficulty telling your family about your discomfort with the dog, would you tell them directly, or try another way.
- Do you think the ethicist’s advice is useful? Why or why not?
- If you are the person having the pet and your family doesn’t like the furry companions, what will you do? Just ignore it? Stay away from them? Give up pets for them? Or other actions.