Showing Your Feelings
Dear Frankie,
I am not what you would call an emotional dog. I grew up in a quiet family that didn’t feel it necessary to communicate everything you thought or felt. We didn’t wag our tails a lot, bark much, or dance around when one of us came home. It never occurred to me to act any other way. I loved my family, and I knew they loved me.
Being reserved was never a problem for me until now. My boyfriend feels I don’t love him because I am not very expressive. He does agree I do many caring things for him, like letting him sleep on the softest chair, choosing the games we play, and letting him eat the biggest treat.
I don’t know if I can turn my personality around at this late date.
Concerned, Flossie
Dear Flossie,
Why don’t you ask your boyfriend what he suggests you do to express how much you care about him? It may be as simple as sitting close to him when you watch the dog shows, wagging your tail when he does something goofy, or chucking him under his chin with your paw when he looks adorable.
Tell him you will try to do some of the things he suggests and, of course, make it clear that you will only do what you feel comfortable doing. You might also ask him to acknowledge the efforts you are making.
It has been said that one of the greatest gifts you can give another person is your undivided attention. You could try doing this more often and see if he feels you care about him more.
Let me know how things work out.
Best, Frankie
© 2021 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast. net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the entire 8/26/21 issue: 08-26-21 Henri
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.