Are you more like a dog or a cat in a relationship, and/or, do you prefer one more than the other?
While I love both dogs and cats, I’m more like a cat, and more apt to prefer cat behavior, cat people.
I like independence.
Cats show when they choose to be close. They come and go. My cats always come back. They show they love me, yet they are not so glued and clingy that I feel I HAVE TO respond every moment.
Cats show when they want attention, when they want affection. They show their choices. They also show when they want to be in their own space. Sometimes still nearby, they just want to be undisturbed.
I find the cat who stays around the most is the one who knows it’s safe to trust, to know they can get what they want or need, including feeling safe and respected.