Absence Makes the Heart Beat Faster
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Dear Frankie,
My parents have two worrisome habits: either they leave the house without telling me, or they tell me they are leaving and then don’t come back when they said they would.
When they are away, I try not to worry that they might be murdered or assaulted, but I can’t.
When they return, I can’t believe how excited I am that they are home safe and sound.
I wish I could be more relaxed about their comings and goings, but I can’t.
Arthur
Dear Arthur
Your reactions are perfectly natural. Dogs are pack animals. Packs provide one another with social connections and protection. When the leaders of the pack (your parents) go off on their own, they are vulnerable to danger without the pack’s protection.
So, it’s understandable that when your parents return, you feel a great sense of relief that they are okay and that life can get back to normal.
In short, Arthur, you are just acting like a dog.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
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