Love and affection

Of course I knew my parents loved me, although they were not demonstrative -- they had their own problems dealing with each other and getting their lives back together after WWII. My mom was an excellent cook and would make us special treats and was very generous.
 

I was lucky enough to feel true love from my parents and siblings as a child. I always felt secure and well taken care of, even though we didn't have a lot of money. Not excessive hugging, kissing or saying 'I love you' in my everyday life, but the feeling was there and hugs or comforting words when needed most. To those who didn't have a very loving experience in their early life, I admire your moving forward and making the very best of your life....love and warm hugs to all of you.
 
Like others who've posted in the thread I knew I was loved but I wasn't lavished with love and affection. My parents are both somewhat reserved and I'm fairly sure they both had a hard time showing love of affection. I don't recall when they were ever physically affectionate with each other.

During college I took a psychology of love course and one of the books we read for the course was Leo Buscaglia's Love. It's been too long to remember what triggered my doing it but after reading the book when I went home I started hugging my parents and saying I loved them. After a while they started doing the same thing and they are now more affectionate and loving. I think it was always inside of them but they didn't know how to show it.

Personally I had a very difficult time being affectionate towards others as a teenager. One of the things that helped me was taking two semesters of massage when I was in college. It helped me learn how to touch people and feel comfortable doing so.
 

Wren said:
Were you lavished with love and affection as a child or were your family more reserved ? Has it affected you at all ?

My father was a very cold man who could not express affection, mum was a bit softer and we always had a goodnight kiss from her but neither ever said, 'I love you' I don't think people did so much in those days

I've always been very affectionate, especially with my daughter, lots of cuddles and let her know I love her, my friends and I always kiss when we meet and when we say goodbye, I think it's important, certainly now as we're getting older, to let people know you care, one day it may be too late ...
Click to expand...
I would not say lavished. I was hugged and kissed but only at bedtime. It has affected me in the sense that I'm always very huggy. Have been forever. This lockdown/distancing stuff nearly did me in. Some of the young men at work have felt sorry for me and have been hugging me. They're little sweeties. We all get our masks on and look the opposite direction as I tell them "just don't breathe on me." ~Giggles~ (And before anyone gets all judgmental we are fully aware this is not keeping us safe.)

I forgot to add that as a child I was verbally abused like a lot. So I've never felt very loved. Let alone wanted.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top