AITA for Kissing My Dog?

A 24-year-old female Reddit user recounted an incident involving her 34-year-old boyfriend. As a playful gesture, she kissed her dog’s forehead in the same way she kisses her boyfriend. When she lightheartedly pointed out that both her dog and boyfriend received the same type of kiss, her boyfriend took offense, believing she was equating him to the dog.

The user said sorry for offending him, even though she considered the matter unimportant. However, after giving it some thought, the user now believes she didn’t need to apologize for expressing love towards her canine companion. See the complete story underneath to determine whether her actions were reasonable.

‘ AITA for Kissing My Dog?’

I (24F) was relaxing with my boyfriend (34M) while watching TV. As he prepared to depart for the evening, he requested a kiss. I obliged by leaning in and kissing his forehead. At that exact moment, one of my dogs approached, seeking affection, so I began petting her. I then leaned down, kissed her forehead, and playfully remarked to my boyfriend, “You two received identical kisses,” while giggling.

He apparently didn’t appreciate the joke, as he abruptly got up and headed towards the exit. I intervened, curious as to why he was so angry. He explained that he perceived my actions as equating him to my dog, given that I showed them both the same level of care. I was baffled by this interpretation, found his anger unwarranted, and voiced my opinion.

I eventually apologized for my comment hurting his feelings, although I initially hesitated. However, after he left, I continued to believe that his reaction was unwarranted and that I shouldn’t have apologized for kissing my dog on the forehead. So, AITA for kissing my dog on the forehead in the same way I kissed my BF?

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

DJ_Too_Supreme_AITA −  NTA. First off, the decade age gap is interesting. Second, how did he get that idea that you was comparing him to a dog? Just because you showed affection to your pet? Anyone who doesn’t show affection to their pet most likely don’t even like their pet for some reason. Your boyfriend is acting like you just got railed by your dog in front of him lmao.

No_Quantity3097 −  “I wasn’t comparing you to my dog. I love my dog WAY more than I love you.”

[Reddit User] −  NTA. Your boyfriend’s reaction was wildly over the top for something so harmless. You kissed your dog on the forehead—it’s not like you said the two of them were interchangeable. Affection towards pets is totally normal, and most people wouldn’t find it weird or insulting to get the same sweet gesture. His choice to storm off and act like you compared him to your dog says way more about his insecurities than anything you did.

That honestly seems like a warning sign. His response wasn’t simply a case of wounded emotions; he promptly tried to leave, didn’t allow you an opportunity to explain or provide context, and it spiraled into a drawn-out argument where you ended up saying sorry for something completely harmless. Healthy relationships depend on communication and a sense of humor, and it’s unfair of him to blow a minor, playful instance out of proportion into a major conflict.

There’s no need for apologies. Showing affection to your pets is perfectly fine and requires no explanation. If he can’t grasp that, he might not be emotionally equipped to deal with such a minor thing. If he reacts this way to something so insignificant, it raises questions about his ability to cope with real challenges.

JeepersCreepers74 −  I’m assuming your dog didn’t also get up and storm out and say she feels offended that she, as your child, was only worthy of the same affection you gave your BF? So now you know that your “older, mature” BF is less emotionally mature than your dog, congrats, he sounds like a winner.. NTA.

A-namethatsavailable −  For a dude 10 years older than you, he behaves 10 years younger than you. He’s the arse. Ignore it, if he brings it up in future, tell him to grow up.

True_Magician6971 −  Girl take this as a sign and run. If he got that upset over something as minuscule as that then hell probably overreact to even more dumb things. Also dating someone 10 years younger is already a red flag to me.

Euphoric_Travel2541 −  NTA. But your boyfriend is not upset about getting the same kiss and affection as the dog. He’s upset that you compared the two expressions of affection as the “same”, and to him, that meant you think that he and the dog are the same.

He is very insecure and easily offended. Someone with a more balanced personality would have responded with a lighthearted comment. What a childish reaction! His response was more in line with that of a teenager, not someone his age. This is a warning sign. It might be best to end the relationship with this overly sensitive and insecure guy.

Captain_Parsley −  NTA Sounds pretty ridiculous to get so angry bout something so non issue, I’d hate to see his reaction to you actually doing something wrong.

carnespecter −  age gap checks out. dude has the maturity of a 5 year old.

StAlvis −  INFO. Why is your boyfriend SO much older than you?