Wrong side of the pffft – Dog Abby

Dog Abby,

I recently started dating a woman I met at church. I think I’m really falling for her, and I know she feels the same way. I recently met her parents, and it is very clear they don’t approve of me, because I came from the “wrong side of town.” I admit that I came from humble beginnings, but I have worked very hard to become a successful business owner, and I am on the cusp of “making it.” I’m afraid that they may try to influence her with their outdated way of thinking. What should I do?

Larry in Lancaster

 

Dear Lost Larry,

When mom brought the new kitten, Phrytzie, home, she did not like any of us. That’s even how she got her name – going pffffrft at each of us. She did not like me because I’m a dog. But, she did not even like the other cats! I don’t know if she thought she was better than everyone else or she was just scared of new things. It did not matter. We did not kick her out or send her away. Instead, we treated her with the same respect and kindness that we treated each other with. You know what? She came around. Now we are all one big, happy family. There are many of us dogs and cats that come from all sides of town – wrong and otherwise. This has not changed who we are or how we are loved by our new families. The only way you can change hearts and minds is through kindness. Don’t be defensive if they are judging you. They are probably just pfffffting you because they don’t know any better. Be respectful and kind, and they will come around.