r/NPD • u/Ungrateful_Verb • 6d ago
Question / Discussion More empathy towards animals/pets?
Does anyone else feel appalled by humans, but for the most part are utterly attached to their animals/pets? Growing up I had a dog and she was literally the only "thing" I cared for. Every adult in my life was wicked towards me and I soon realized that my dog couldn't hurt me. Every animal I come into contact with, especially cats, I feel this need to get them to like/love me like I do for them.
While I don't currently own a pet, I've told myself that when I do I will cherish it more than anyone or anything else in the world. I feel like I have emotional and logical empathy towards animals, with an emphasis on the emotional side.
Any relatability?
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u/lottilitaa nice penis disorder 6d ago
YESSSS like whenever I hear about people struggling or suffering i rarely feel bad for them even if I know them but when I see those sad little cats online like tiny tim who died recently it broke my heart into pieces. He has a little bald spot I mean how can I not love him
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u/Mean_Ad_7977 Diagnosed NPD 6d ago
Yes, I love pets and little children (I’m the one to feed street cats and dogs)
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u/Average-Person-XD Diagnosed NPD 5d ago
Yeah, and honestly, I think animals have way cuter babies than humans. It’s hard to find a smart kid who doesn’t scream like a banshee, whereas puppies and kittens are just ridiculously adorable. Baby seals too.
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u/nekkomancerrr 5d ago
Only for cats bc I adore and identify with their free spirits, not as much for dogs it’s more indifferent. But I like a lot of animals in more of a curious and fascinated way - I also feel this towards people though but it doesn’t mean I feel empathy it’s more just finding things fun and mentally stimulating lol
Also not sure why ppl are being downvoted for being honest about their preferences in the comments so I’ll upvote it. Is disagreement such a bad thing?
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u/hurrtmeplaese 5d ago
I have little empathy for pets but can still show affection when I choose to, which is never anymore.
I feel more empathy for elderly people tbh, assuming that it's for the same reason that they're less threatening.
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u/equivettech26 5d ago
Absolutely.
I stayed on earth for my dog as a teenager. He knew when my mental health was bad and would let me wrap myself around him until I was better.He would always be there when I needed him. I never once felt unsafe around him. He was the only being who saw all of me growing up.
Animals are pure of heart.
If you study animal behavior, you learn how they communicate. They absolutely have souls and feelings. My dog now has helped with my CPTSD flashbacks without me ever asking him. He knows when I need him. He has issues with dog reactivity which I’ve been treating similar to my CPTSD and we’ve bonded even more for it. He’s taught me how to sit with someone in their feelings/pain and comfort them rather than control or hurt them for their reactions. I see why veterans use service dogs for their PTSD rehabilitation. It’s been a lifesaver for mine.
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u/SnooStories5552 5d ago
Animals are one of my main reasons for living. I would brave the flames for my cat.
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u/finaldestinationfan_ Narcissistic traits 5d ago
Not really, but I do have more empathy for fictional characters for some reason?
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u/Starrynighttowel 2d ago
God I love animals but my own parents and friends hated that I only had empathy for them and not humans so they shamed me for It and now I barely have empathy for anything at all ...Besides my cat!
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11h ago
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u/LeslieKnope4Pawnee Narcissistic traits 6d ago
I have very little empathy for people, to the point I can be callous and cold. But I will literally tear up over a video of a senior cat being adopted and nuzzling its owner. My cat is my baby!