AITAH for “training” a guy “like a dog”?
In a cozy diner bathed in the golden glow of retro lamps, a young woman scribbles mental notes about her date, her mind buzzing with observations as sharp as a trainer’s whistle. She’s not sizing up his charm or wit but cataloging quirks—how he guards his fries like a treasure and softens at the mention of dessert. Meet Sarah, a 23-year-old dog shelter volunteer whose knack for taming wary pups has spilled into her dating life, turning a budding romance into a quirky experiment.
But when a friend calls her out for “training” her new guy like a rescue dog, Sarah’s clever tactics stir a wave of doubt. Is her approach a genius bridge to trust or a misstep in human connection? With peanut M&Ms tucked in her purse and a heart set on making him feel safe, her story unfolds as a delightful blend of instinct, humor, and unexpected warmth.
‘AITAH for “training” a guy “like a dog”?’
Sarah’s story is a charming yet thorny dive into human connection, where good intentions meet questionable methods. Her habit of offering M&Ms to ease her date’s nerves echoes behavioral techniques but raises ethical flags. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes, “Trust is built in very small moments, which I call ‘sliding door’ moments” (source: The Gottman Institute). Sarah’s treats aim for trust but risk bypassing authentic communication, a cornerstone of healthy bonds.
Her observations—resource guarding, territoriality—mirror stress responses in both dogs and humans, often tied to past insecurities. By applying dog-training tactics, Sarah taps into a universal need for safety but oversimplifies human complexity. This reflects a broader issue: navigating emotional walls in relationships. Studies show 70% of people with unstable childhoods struggle with trust (source: Psychology Today).
Instead of treats, open dialogue could address her date’s hesitations, fostering mutual understanding. Sarah’s success after talking it out proves words trump M&Ms.
Here’s the comments of Reddit users:
The Reddit hive mind didn’t hold back, serving up a mix of witty jabs and stern warnings. Here’s the scoop from the online peanut gallery—candid, cheeky, and ready to bite.
These hot takes light up the thread, but do they hold water in the real world? Maybe it’s less about dog treats and more about speaking human.
Sarah’s tale is a quirky reminder that love often starts with good intentions, even if they come with a side of M&Ms. Her dog-trainer lens brought her closer to her guy, but it was their honest chat that sealed the deal. What’s the takeaway? Building trust is less about tactics and more about showing up as yourself. Have you ever used an odd trick to connect with someone? What would you do in Sarah’s shoes? Drop your thoughts below!
