We are social creatures by nature, wired to connect, to give and receive love and affection. I’ve been noticing lately how much this shapes us from the very beginning. Children need love and affection to grow—really, to develop healthy brains and a sense of safety. I’ve read that a child without affectionate care tends to have lower self-esteem, feels lonelier, is less happy, and can even struggle more with their health.
It’s not just about childhood. Adults carry the same need. Love and affection show up in our confidence, our sense of self, and the quality of the relationships we build. I’ve seen moments in my own life where feeling loved—or not—has shaped how I move through the world.
There are countless ways love can be shown and received. Here are a few that stand out to me right now. I’m sure there are many more that will feel truer to you.
Ways Love Has Shown Up for Me
Spending Time Together
Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve experienced were simple—undivided attention, just being together. Trying new things, playing games, sharing space without distractions—it all mattered in ways I didn’t fully realize at the time.
Active Listening
Being truly heard feels like a kind of shelter. I’ve noticed that when someone listens, really listens, it’s as if my words carry weight. And in that, love quietly appears.
Ways I’ve Learned to Accept Love
Noticing How I Feel
I used to be unaware of my resistance to love. Now, I try to notice the discomfort, the hesitation, the little walls I put up. Awareness doesn’t fix anything instantly, but it feels like a door opening.
Letting It In Without Obligation
Love doesn’t have to be a task. I’ve felt the pressure to give back or perform, but slowly I’m learning that receiving can exist without doing or feeling anything in return. There’s a freedom in that.
A Thought to Leave With
Love and affection are messy, imperfect, and sometimes fragile. But noticing how they enter our lives—and letting them in—is something I’ve found quietly transformative. Every act of giving or receiving, no matter how small, leaves a mark.
A calm and meaningful piece.
Love doesn’t demand return, yet reciprocity often arises on its own – given, received, and sometimes reciprocated, without force.
Thank you