Should humans be more like dogs?

Every day, no matter how long you’ve been gone, dogs are excited when you get home. A big smiling face and wagging tail, every time you walk through the door. It’s so easy, but how many people do it for loved ones? A genuine smile of delight, each time you’re reunited with someone that you love. Why not adopt this infectious enthusiasm!?

Dogs love to cuddle. And they’re shameless about it. Physical touch can be a fantastic way to convey love.

Dogs are incredibly quick to forgive. They may be frightened or hurt momentarily, but they assume it was an accident, and come back wagging their tails, signaling their desire to make up, minutes or seconds later. What if we assumed human faults were accidents, and provided an opportunity for quick conflict resolution by openly expressing forgiveness?

Dogs are delighted by the simple pleasures in life. I’m not saying we should roll around in the grass and eat dog treats. But what if every time you walked outside and liked the weather, you stopped to really savor it for a moment? Not just a tacit acknowledgement of “Oh, the weather is nice”; but instead stood there, took in a deep breath of fresh air, looked up at the sky, and smiled. We’d have happier days.

Maybe we should all be more like dogs.