Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: this podcast episode of Marriage Unhindered wasn’t really about pugs (although they are ridiculously snorty little creatures). It was about choices, respect, and why living together before marriage is a spiritual and emotional train wreck. 🚨

Here’s the gist from Doug Hinderer:

The Drama: Dogs, Tears, and Disrespect

Doug reads a letter from a young woman who doesn’t like dogs (gasp! 😱) and her boyfriend who is obsessed with pugs. They’ve been dating for 4.5 years and recently moved in together: big mistake, and Doug doesn’t let us forget it.

A month into cohabitation, Mr. Pug Lover starts pushing for a dog. She compromises by saying she might consider a dog someday (but not a pug 🐶). Yet, he steamrolls her objections, goes behind her back, and gets a pug anyway. To make it worse, he tries to cover it up for a day! The result? She’s in tears, questioning the relationship, while his family tells her she’s being irrational.

Doug’s Take: Living Together is the Real Problem

Doug’s “rant” was 🔥, but not just because of the pug drama. He zooms in on the real issue:

Living together before marriage is a recipe for disaster. Period. Here’s why:

Living together = ultimate disrespect. When you live with someone before you’re married, you’re basically saying, “I don’t value you or your soul enough to protect your virtue.” (Ouch, but true!)

It leads to selfishness. Living together without the commitment of marriage creates a dynamic where it’s easier to use each other for convenience, comfort, or, frankly, physical pleasure.

Why would he respect your “no” about a dog when he’s already ignoring what’s best for your soul? If he’s okay with leading you into sin, he’s not going to suddenly become considerate in other areas.

The Bigger Picture: Self-Respect and God’s Plan

Doug points out that this isn’t just about the boyfriend’s lack of respect: it’s about self-respect. The young woman has accepted a relationship dynamic that doesn’t reflect her dignity as a daughter of God.

Here’s the hard truth:

If he’s willing to put a dog above your wishes, he’s not husband material. 💍🐾

If you’re willing to let yourself be used in this relationship, you’re not ready for a real, God-centered relationship either.

Doug’s advice?

💔 Break up. Not just because of the dog, but because this relationship isn’t rooted in love, respect, or virtue.

🙏 Turn back to God. Focus on loving yourself as He loves you. When you do, the right man will come along: one who values your soul, your wishes, and yes, even your dog preferences.

The Takeaway

This wasn’t a podcast about pugs (though we could debate whether they’re cute 🐕). It was about how compromising on your values: especially by living together, sets you up for heartache and disrespect.

Ladies, let this be your wake-up call: You are worth so much more than being a live-in girlfriend to a guy who steamrolls your wishes. You are a daughter of the King. 👑 Choose self-respect, choose virtue, and find someone who will protect your soul, not pressure you into a pug.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS