Apparently, scientists are baffled by an unusual relationship between a male donkey named Patroclo and a bull named Achille in Italy. The two have developed a remarkably close bond, described by researchers as a socio-sexual relationship.

Yes, a donkey and a bull. And here I am thinking my own relationships are complicated.

Scientists are studying the pair because their attachment challenges some assumptions about animal social and sexual behavior. Meanwhile, I’m wondering whether they have considered couples counseling, or at least a shared therapist.

But seriously, there’s something rather lovely about this story.

We spend an extraordinary amount of time trying to categorize relationships. Who belongs with whom? What makes a good match? What will people think? Is this normal? Shouldn’t relationships follow some predictable formula?

And yet, life has a habit of ignoring our carefully constructed categories.

Some people become our closest friends when we least expect it. Some relationships make absolutely no sense to anyone watching from the outside. And sometimes the people (or animals) who understand us best are the ones we would never have put on our theoretical compatibility list.

Perhaps we could all benefit from being a little less concerned with whether relationships make sense and a little more interested in whether they bring companionship, comfort, and happiness.

I’m not suggesting we abandon all standards. There are still certain red flags worth respecting. But perhaps we should leave a little room for the unexpected.

After all, if a donkey and a bull can find their person (or their preferred bovine companion), perhaps there’s hope for the rest of us.

PsychologistMimi’s relationship advice of the week. Stop trying to make everyone else’s relationships fit your definition of normal. And if you happen to be a donkey in love with a bull, well, who am I to judge?

Love is complicated. Apparently, so is livestock.