Man Tries To Get His GF Back After Internet Convinces Him He’s Wrong, He Makes It Worse

Many would agree that losing a pet carries the same pain and grief as losing a loved one. It’s why some people hold onto the remains of their late pets, whether ashes in an urn or smaller keepsakes like jewelry.

However, this man failed to understand the importance of keeping these tangible memories when he refused to let his girlfriend bring her late dog’s ashes on their vacation. 

He apologized after a huge argument, but the woman nonetheless broke things off with him. Scroll down for the entire story. 

Some people may experience prolonged grief after losing a pet

Man and woman discussing, emotions high over dog's ashes, in a bright room.

Image credits: 1footage / envato (not the actual photo)

A man didn’t understand his girlfriend’s mourning of a late dog and refused to let her bring her pet’s ashes on their vacation

Text discussing girlfriend's deceased dog's ashes and relationship details.

Text about a girlfriend keeping a small urn with her dog's ashes on her bedside table.

Text discussing discomfort over dog ashes while packing for a trip.

Text discussing a girlfriend mourning her dog's ashes, causing tension in the relationship.

Text exchange about dog ashes causing relationship tension and grief boundary conflict.

Text about relationship tension over girlfriend's dog's ashes, questioning emotions.

Text about a non-refundable hotel and a solo trip after mourning a dog for too long.

Text about girlfriend mourning her dog's death and dealing with past trauma.

A small golden urn held in hand, symbolizing mourning a dog's ashes.

Image credits: Emily / emazon.com (not the actual photo)

He later apologized and admitted to his mistake, but she still decided to break things off with him

Text message apology over arguing about girlfriend's dog's ashes, expressing regret and offering to apologize in person.

Text screenshot discussing reactions to a girlfriend's dog's ashes.

Text about understanding girlfriend's feelings and compassion for her grief over dog's ashes.

Text message about a breakup after conflict over girlfriend's dog's ashes.

Image credits: Overall_Tomato_6664

Pet grief may feel worse than human loss 

Image credits: Helena Lopes / unsplash (not the actual photo)

It was unfair for the author to criticize his girlfriend for “mourning this dog for too long,” which he eventually realized. Pet loss counselor Beth Bigler describes this as “disenfranchised grief,” wherein it isn’t openly acknowledged like how people grieve when a loved one passes on. 

In her interview with USA Today, she says it’s why losing a pet is “worse than human loss” for some people. 

“No one’s bringing over a casserole when it’s an animal. You don’t get bereavement days off work for that,” Bigler explained, adding that divorces and miscarriages fall under the same category.

According to Bigler, many of her clients go through periods of shock, disbelief, and even brain fog after losing a pet. Others experience it through physical manifestations like heart palpitations and stomach pain. 

Bigler adds that many pet owners particularly mourn losing a companion that shows them unconditional love. 

“[It] is something many guardians haven’t always received in their lives,” she added. 

However, some people don’t develop the same attachment for their pets. According to licensed mental health counselor Lisa Hutchison, LMHC, these owners may see their animal companions as a mere “trophy” or “property.” 

It may be the reason why some of them could act dismissive towards someone in deep grief, which has no timeline, according to Los Angeles-based therapist Nadja Geipert. 

“It’s going to take as long as it’s going to take,” Geipert told Psych Central, emphasizing that it is not a linear process. 

The author realized he was wrong, which was a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, he made things worse by showing his partner the Reddit comments he made, which was the final nail in the coffin that pushed the woman to break up. 

She may (or may not) agree to reconcile, but for the time being, he will have to deal with the consequences of his actions. 

Most commenters agreed he was being a jerk

Text conversation about grieving dog's ashes, relationship strain and emotional empathy.

Guy questions girlfriend's mourning over dog's ashes in online discussion.

Comments on grief over a dog's ashes and relationship respect.

Text discusses a girlfriend mourning her dog's ashes and someone's reaction to her grief.

Text response defending grieving over dog’s ashes, emphasizing personal grief process and criticizing judgment.

Comment discussing a deep relationship with a dog and critiquing someone's discomfort about the dog's ashes.

Text response criticizing guy's reaction to girlfriend's dog's ashes, emphasizing respect and communication with women.

Text post discussing beliefs and boundaries when grieving a dog's ashes.

Comment discussing overreaction about GF's dog's ashes, mentioning an urn and relationship disagreement.

Reddit comment criticizing a person for controlling behavior related to a girlfriend's mourning over her dog's ashes.

Text response criticizing someone for trying to control girlfriend's grief over her dog's ashes.

Reddit comment on mourning, discussing a girlfriend grieving her dog's ashes and the need to respect her process.

Text from a forum user defending keeping a dog's ashes for comfort.

Text critique about person’s reaction to GF's dog's ashes, mentions self-absorption.

Reddit discussion about a guy upset over girlfriend's dog ashes, addressing emotional attachment and relationship dynamics.

Reddit users discuss a guy's reaction to his girlfriend's dog's ashes, highlighting relationship issues and emotional responses.

Some shared similar experiences

Text screenshot about mourning over dog ashes, expressing grief six years after the dog's death.

Comment discussing grieving process over dog's ashes and pet loss.

Text expressing mourning and remembrance for a beloved dog's ashes and its lasting impact on the owner's life.

There were also those who sided with the author

Reddit comment about boundaries after guy reacts to dog's ashes.

Reddit comment discussing compassion regarding leaving dog's ashes at home.

Reddit comment discussing boundaries over grieving a girlfriend's dog's ashes, with mixed judgments.

Text discussing discomfort while traveling with ashes. Guy freaks over girlfriend’s dog’s ashes, sharing personal experience.

Reddit post discussing the reaction to ashes of a dog, involving anthropomorphizing and emotional impact.

Reddit comment discussing discomfort over taking a dog's ashes on vacation, suggesting moving on from the relationship.

Comment about dog's ashes, suggesting turning them into jewelry.

Discussion on excessive mourning for girlfriend's dog's ashes in Reddit comments.

Reddit comment discussing a guy upset over girlfriend mourning her dog's ashes, mentioning emotional compatibility.

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