I have always been a firm believer that we should be able to choose who we want to spend our lives with, but I don’t want to start a debate here about same-sex couples. Instead, I want to explore a different angle: What about people who choose to live with only their pets as their lifelong companions?

I’ve known more people that I can count who have said something like “I like animals so much more than people,” or “Animals are just so much nicer than people.” Perhaps some of us simply love animals more than people? By choice, not because we’re crazy or unlovable or can’t find someone.

I’m not saying you should go and marry your cat (although I have heard a news story about that), but what if you just identify more with animals, communicate easier with them, and get along with them better? Isn’t that the definition of a relationship? To make a life together? To make each other happy?

Am I getting a little weird here? I don’t think so. Some people just aren’t comfortable around other people, but they are amazingly relaxed and loving toward animals. They choose to spend their lives with them, and many don’t feel like they’re missing out on a thing.

Can pets be an even swap for human companionship? Let’s break it down:

• They communicate with us, just not in our language. You know what your cat is trying to tell you.
• They love us, just not in a human way. But they give hugs, kisses, snuggles, and warmth.
• They comfort us in times of need. Don’t cats seem to just sense when something is wrong and cuddle just a little closer?
• They protect us. This may be more the case for dogs, but it happens with with cats, too.

Sure, they can’t help pay the bills or support us in our old age, they’ll never help with chores around the house, and they can’t go out to dinner with us — although some small dogs do go everywhere with us! But they will love you, and they won’t pick silly fights over the remote or who drank the last of the orange juice.

For the record, I want a human husband one day. I love my cats’ companionship, but I want a family and children and that whole dynamic. That said, I think there might be something to think about when it comes to “rules” of relationships or categories of who we choose to spend our lives with.

What do you all think? Let me know in the comments!