1. "You must become an atheist and you must stop hunting."

2. "You must stop being an atheist and you must stop hunting."

3. "You must become an atheist and you must start hunting."

4. "You must stop being an atheist and you must start hunting.

Another confusing post.

Mind you, it's none of my business, the main thing is that your parents are happy, and that they begot you.

What was rude? I was just trying to figure out what you meant. I'd actually rather know right up front if someone I was thinking of dating did not want pets. It would cause less problems down the road.

It was rude because you chastised me for not liking pets, when my position was that I would being willing to give up my position on allowing pets in my house for the right person. That was what the list was, things you'd give up.

I'm farm kid, our animals work. The dog keeps the racoons and deer out of the garden, and the cat keeps the mice from the house. The whole reason they were domesticated in the first place. I've had a ton of pets, and loved them all. I've even allowed animals in the house before (gasp), once again because the person I was seeing had housepets.

I never said anyone would have to give up their pet in order to be with me, but that's what you implied and that was rude.

I'd love for someone to explain to me why it's wrong for my dog and cat to have their own houses, outside, where they can run, hunt and play at their own leisure. Funny, they don't seem to mind.

I've had my cat 11 years, he's like my fourth son and yes he is spoiled, ....I wouldn't give him up because he's part of me (now) but I would make adjustments if it were that important, because something really important to me..I may ask. That's what we do for each other....make concessions for those we love. Nobody wants to bend even tough the bending won't break us...guess that's why were all here.

It would really depend. If they asked me to quit smoking...sure. If they asked me to give up my dog....they better hit the door!

What's the old saying "One must be as strong as a rock but as flexible as a reed?"

No that's not quite right...

No, that's Zeppelin.."to be a rock and not to roll"

I don't know, I used to like to roll one every now and then...

I lov the way you think

As in "I'm an atheist, this is what I believe. If religion is important to you, then this may be a problem. I've felt this way since I was 15, and this is why... How important is this to you? If there are kids, I want them to be raised openly, with the ability to make their own decision, not indoctrinated into a specific faith." In dad's case he was a non-practicing Catholic, and had walked away from the Church when they started preaching views he disagreed with.

Hunting - "I do not believe in this day and age, hunting is a necessity. You (Dad) have a dairy farm, raise and butcher the steer calves once they get grown, and have enough meat to feed yourself and friends, and I see no point in hunting for excess. How important is this to you? Because its very important to me."

Funny, after dad got into the animals in the house, it didn't stop them from working. The Great Dane we used to have went out and dropped the cow that was giving them issues and brought her up to the house. The Whippet still took care of the rabbits. Nowadays, the little dogs round up the chickens, turkeys and goose when needed. The tomcat up in Michigan happily killed rats the size of cats, daily. The little 7lb brat, Cinnabar, pins the chickens and holds them by the neck till we gt over and pick the bird up. Inside pets never stopped doing what they were bred for. They just get to relax and enjoy mutual companionship with their family.

I didn't chastise you for not liking pets. I asked you what you expected. And I asked you how you approached the subject. Sounds like a touchy subject for you.

It's funny, I actually say that I'm willing to give up something for the right person, and I'm vilified for the way I say it. That anyone would take offense because of something so trivial and not even pertinent to themselves, is ludicrous at best.

However, if because I was raised different, not only did we as children not have pets in our home - my parents weren't allowed such things either, and have a different mindset I must be considered such a horrible person, then consider me that way. I didn't make the statement to offend, but apparently the thread police must make an example of me. (Funny how I recognize the portraits)

So make me a bad person for not wanting hair, fleas, urine, poop and drool on my carpets and furniture. I'm aboslutely certain that I'm the only person on the face of the planet that has ever felt that way (at least, of course, until I found a person who stirred my heart and when she left me she took the dogs).

I see that there are some who are willing to give nothing, and in the end, will probably receive what they give.

JMHO

Maybe I missed it, but who said you were a horrible person for the way you think? It certainly wasn't me. I simply asked a couple questions. I've always had pets growing up. I have pets now as well. They're not outdoor pets. So, if I started dating someone who did not want pets, I'd absolutely want to know upfront, as it would certainly cause problems later on down the road if things got serious, then they let me know that they did not want pets in the house.

You're not a bad person for not wanting pets. But others are not bad for wanting pets.

She wasn't being rude. She just asked you to clarify.

Albeit her question was straight forward and since we are adults - and not little kids that have to “flower” up our communications – she probably didn’t feel the need to add smileys and dot her i’s with hearts.

I was raised on a 20 acre ranch too. The only animals allowed in the house were dogs and cats. Cattle, hogs, chickens and horses were not!

The indoor animals had lots of rules and boundaries. Also, there were limits. We had two small dogs and one cat. We had barn cats too but they were mostly feral. We spayed/neutered them and feed them; they didn't have manners enough for house behavior.

If I had my way, animals could be in the house and children would be in the barns.

I do a lot of volunteer word for abused and homeless pets. I would never allow someone to give me an ultimatum for a life that has already been dealt a bad hand. It’s not safe for pets to be outside anymore. I opt for “pet friendly” men.

Never would I give up my dog!!!! Or my sports although I could comprimise on that at any given time!! I love a couple beers at night but again thats something we could work out!! Just DONT make me watch reality shows or soap operas, Id hang myself In a heartbeat!! Or most important, SEX!!!

Quote "Men go into relationships thinking the women won't change but they do. Women go into the relationship thinking the man will change, but they don't."
I think if you're going to get into a relationship with someone it should be because you like them just as they are. Expecting someone to change or adapt to what YOU want them to be like is incredibly selfish.

Like your thinking!!!!^^^^^^

I suppose it depends on the individual situation. 37 years later, it certainly worked with my folks.

hm ive been asked to quit being me pretty much