Socially Awkward Redditors Discuss Using Their Doggos As Loyal Wingmen In New Social Encounters With Gratitude

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kalila courban
Mar 14, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

Who needs a wingman when you have a cute canine sidekick? Dogs are not only the best companions, but also the ultimate social crutch for those who struggle in social situations. They're like a magnet for attention and can help you break the ice with new people. With your dog by your side, you don't have to worry about awkward silences or feeling out of place. 

But the benefits don't stop there. Your dog can also help you meet other dog owners, making it easier to expand your social circle. Plus, there's nothing like bonding over the joys (and struggles) of being a pet parent. Redditors from all over the interwebs poured into this thread to discuss how being a doggo parent has helped them engage in more social situations, and we are living for it. Yes, our doggos are our best friends, and they also help us make new cool and like-minded friends! We owe them a huge thank you, for oh so many things. So if you're looking for a fun way to improve your social life and have a constant companion by your side, consider adopting a canine friend today. Who knows, you might just find yourself making new friends and having more fun than you ever thought possible!

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  • 01
    Rectangle - Posted by u/buckyspunisher 5 days ago anyone else use their dog as a social crutch? 32
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  • 02
    Font - i'm a very socially awkward person. it's hard for me to socialize, especially if i'm meeting new people. so i just use my dog as a social crutch. people want to approach me because they want to pet her. it's also always easy to find something to talk about. they'll start asking her age, breed, etc. and maybe they'll relay their own experiences with dogs and that has limitless potential for conversation. i'm not huge into social gatherings either but i find that i do need to learn better p
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  • 03
    Font - NotaBolognaSandwich 5 days ago Veterinarian Dogs are a great way to start conversation. On a personal non dog related note, I have always found the best way to talk to people you don't know is to ask them questions about themselves. Most people like talking about themselves, and your questions can help you to discover if there are more things you can then talk about.
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    Font - pinkpolo 5 days ago Nora: Labrador Retriever Not like that, but often I say I need to leave when my social battery is done and I "blame" it on my dog, ("I need to go home and let her out").
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    Font - rlaw1234qq 5 days ago I'm quite old and my wife died a few years ago. Walking with my dog and having conversations with other dog owners gives me a real lift - I definitely don't regard it as a crutch though. It's of tremendous value to me - I just have to make sure I don't go over the top though! Luckily my dog is even more social than me - he can spot someone who will make a fuss of him amazingly well - I think it's all in the eye contact.
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    Font - Necessary_Pressure21 5 days ago . Yes..My dog is extremely outgoing even for his breed (havanese) He's very cute and usually sporting a ponytail. I can hide behind him in social interactions. He's also a good conversation starter for me. I would love if i could bring him everywhere but I know it's rude and inappropriate to bring him to most places, but when i can have him with me he helps a lot with my anxiety.
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  • 07
    Human body - Tacoshortage 5 days ago . You should be asking: "Does anyone NOT use their dog as a social crutch?" because we all do.
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    Font - SmirkNtwerk 5 days ago edited 4 days ago I've heard some single people admit that part of the reason why they acquired a dog (besides the companionship), was to help them become more social. People in general are much more likely to be approached when they have a cute furry friend. Heck, it works on dating apps also. Chances of getting a right swipe and message increase also as it broadens the range of shared interests. It puts the pressure off. Dog owners can join meet-up groups. Go on h
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    Font - LordessCass 5 days ago Kino: Kelpie Mix, Juri: GSD Mix 100%. I originally got my dog so that I wouldn't feel like a weirdo walking around my neighborhood alone (although I'm sure no one thought I was!). My older dog is very outgoing and she's the perfect dog to bring places to start conversation. Plus, I can talk about dogs for hours so she's a good conversation starter. I started playing arcade games at breweries and a large number of the breweries are dog friendly, so it's been the perf
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    Mammal - ChronicEntropic 5 days ago My dogs are so successful at making me comfortable around other people and other people comfortable around me, I should declare them as a business expense on my taxes.
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    Font - Bumble Beeskn33s 5 days ago I use my girl to get out of things. Haha "I can't stay long since she needs her walk" kind of things. But she is also a magnet for attention. Back when I did dating apps if I had a picture of my pup up 90% first messages would be from guys asking me about her.
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    Font - Cormen Leiserson Rives 5 days ago I tried to do the same with hiker meetup groups with my dog so that people actually do talk to me. I found its quite the opposite situation. People are jaded, biased, ignorant, self-centered. In all hikes, they completely ignored my dog and even made after hike plans that are not inclusive despite knowing I will be left out too. But my dog minds none of these, she only wants to hike the trail and walk endless miles with tasty treats. So I am using my dog
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    Font - e_hatt_swank. 5 days ago Doesn't everyone do this? :-) I have a follow-up question. My wife and I often laugh at ourselves because we meet people when out with our dogs, and then when we see them again, we remember the dogs' names but forget the humans' names! Does this happen to anyone else? Do we need to see a professional about this?
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    Smile - ClearCrimson. 5 days ago I have a small white shih-tzu, I regularly dye her ears and tail pink. She loves it (she's a little diva) and it forces me to socialize. Plus I could talk about her all day so it's a win-win
    via ClearCrimson

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