The concept of couples therapy has been popular for quite some time and has enabled those who have faced the difficulties of sharing life with another human being to open up and see past differences and the like.

Let's be honest. We all love to hang onto our own opinions, ways and views. It's easy, isn't it? It might seem so, but as all of us can attest, it doesn't bode well for a healthy relationship.

Being in a relationship can be challenging. Relations with parents and siblings can be daunting enough, but the relationships that you choose outside of the family unit are vastly different. You're coming together to form a bond with someone who has been raised in a family other than your own: different households, parts of the country — perhaps different cultures even change the dynamic of how we relate to each other.

flickr photo courtesy of KUNTA.TOKYO

In therapy, there is a concept of the "Third." As Lewis Aron, Ph.D. defines it, the "Third" is a therapist — one who helps couples find a place in the middle where they can meet up on issues.

It's great having that third, neutral party to be available to give insight, support and enable us humans to strengthen our emotional tools so that we can co-exist and flourish in relationships.

But consider that role — does it always need to be human? Not necessarily, as some have figured out.

In her blog today on PsychCentral.com, Suzanne B. Phillips, Psy. D., ABPP discusses how pets in many cases, bridge that gap between us humans sometimes when we are at an impasse or other challenging "place."

It's an interesting concept, and one that I have experienced at times. Well, maybe more than the average person: I spend the better part of my days trying to ascertain what a companion animal's needs are, and I've no choice but to be open and paying close attention to their behavior — beyond what I assume that they need.

Seriously, how can one ignore the finesse that dogs have when expressing their needs, if they are unhappy, when they want something, or when they have a disagreement with another canine.

They "say" it, get it over with and move on.

Cats are equally expressive and present and reliant on listening (as opposed to hearing) when it comes to connecting, and so are exotic birds.

So what can we learn from the animals that we share our lives with? Can they be a conduit to helping us get along better with other humans? Can they be our teachers?

Of course.

In her blog, Phillips details just a few ways that pets are the "emotional Third," of sorts in relationships:

They remind us of the joy of giving into the moment: Spontaneity, laughter, being able to gain and share joy obtained from simple things.

Pets remind us to slow down and be present: We are far too caught up in the busyness of life. Work and other obligations, being tethered to our smartphones; all of us can relate to how that detracts from focusing on our partner.

Companion animals give us rose-colored glasses when it comes to our loved ones: It's true, isn't it? Regardless of the things that we humans find not-so-good about each other, pets consistently see the best in each of us. The mantra "I want to be the kind of person that my dog thinks that I am" comes to mind.

Seeing the interaction between a partner and a pet is a great reminder of why you love them: This point is primarily profound. When Chris and I first met, he wasn't terribly fond of cats, mostly due to his not being around them much growing up. His willingness to establish a relationship with my cat Silver, and to create a comfortable environment for him when we blended our households, was amazing.

They now have a unique bond that is very unlike the one that Silver and I have. In some ways, it's stronger, but that's not unsettling — in fact, it's pretty neat because I get to see a different part of them emerge.

Pets have a lot to teach and can act as a conduit to curating better relationships. What is your experience with your companion animals helping to foster a closer, more healthy bond with other humans in your life?

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com and owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Follow her pet adventures on her photo blog.