A few days ago a friend posted a video on Facebook of cats looking for affection from their owner, or really anyone in the room. They would rub against them, paw at them, even jump in their lap, all because they needed to feel a connection. It was cute and bold and beautiful.

There are lots of theories out there about cat people vs. dog people (personally, I like both)! But one thing that can be said about almost all pets is they are not afraid to express what they need, or want. Dogs don't care that you stayed up until 3 am when they decide at 5 am it's time to go outside. Bunnies and guinea pigs may be grateful for you providing them a home, but they'll still ruin your favorite shirt if you let them get too close. And they've all learned the secret of conning us into petting them.

Physical touch is extremely important, especially to those who have that as a love language. And for those who have other love languages, it's equally important to receive affection in that way. There are hundreds of songs about needing, finding and keeping love. We all know how essential it is. Yet we are very often afraid to be vulnerable enough with people who can provide it. Our pets aren't afraid to walk up to us when they need us, no matter what they're interrupting or how much they're invading our personal space.

You know who else isn't afraid? Babies and toddlers. Yes, at some point in our lives we all knew how to tell people we were in need. But at some point we learned that vulnerability is weakness, or faced rejection and are too afraid to try again. Those things don't change the fact that we need others in our lives. And denying ourselves the opportunity to be cared for often turns into bitterness, which we then take out on others. So perhaps it's time to take a cue from our pets and let others know when we need them. You may find that they need you, too, and you're one step closer to happiness.