u/arifl5

I'm open to pretty much anything! No self-help books please, I just feel like I've seen very few representations of men suffering from mental health issues, and I want to change that.

I'm an experienced rider who wants a bike more catered to touring, but I don't want to spend too much money on one yet since I don't know how much I'll actually like having a very heavy bike (I currently ride much lighter super sport and naked bikes).

Baggers are awesome, so that would be my top preference. It would add some diversity to my garage too. Open to hearing other recommendations as well.

I'm an experienced rider who wants a bike more catered to touring, but I don't want to spend too much money on one yet since I don't know how much I'll actually like having a very heavy bike (I currently ride much lighter super sport and naked bikes).

Baggers are awesome, so that would be my top preference. It would add some diversity to my garage too. Open to hearing other recommendations as well.

I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life, and I’m used to that very social, outgoing, “best friend” kind of energy. Like constant interaction, always excited to see you, super affectionate, etc.

Lately I’ve been seriously considering getting a cat, but I feel like I need a bit of a reality check from people who actually have them.

My main hesitation is personality. I’ve met some cats that are super playful, curious, and affectionate, but I’ve also met a lot that are pretty aloof or just do their own thing most of the time. Literally nothing wrong with that, for the record. I’m just worried about ending up with a cat that…doesn’t really like me or isn’t interested in interacting much.

I don’t expect a dog in a cat’s body, but I do want some level of companionship and interaction. I’m totally fine with independence, I just don’t want to feel like I have a roommate who tolerates me instead of a pet that actually bonds with me.

So I guess my questions are:

• How realistic is it to expect a cat to be affectionate and social on a daily basis?
• How much does personality depend on the individual cat vs how you raise/socialize them?
• Is there a way to increase the chances of getting a more “dog-like” (for lack of a better term) cat?
• For people who have owned both, what were the biggest mindset adjustments?

Appreciate any honest takes, even if the answer is basically yeah this might not be for you. I’d rather know that upfront than go in with the wrong expectations, since that would be very unfair to the cat!!!