A Bhopal couple, initially drawn together by their mutual affection for animals, found their marriage dissolving after just nine months due to conflicts arising from their pets. The husband, an IT professional working from home, and his wife, originally from Uttar Pradesh and employed in Bhopal, connected over their shared passion for animals. Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage. However, after moving in together, tensions surfaced when the wife’s cats began interacting negatively with the husband’s dog. The husband stated that he had expressed his preference for not having the wife bring her pets prior to the marriage, while the wife insisted on bringing her cats. Adding to the discord, the wife’s cat would frequently approach the fish tank, causing further strain. Attempts at reconciliation, including family counseling, were unsuccessful, and the couple ultimately filed for divorce. Family counselor Shail Awasthi observed that the issue extended beyond the pets themselves, highlighting increasing isolation within families. He noted that people sometimes prioritize their pets over human relationships, leading to marital breakdowns when neither partner is willing to compromise, reflecting a trend of people taking relationships lightly, believing that pets can substitute for human bonds.
