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In any loving relationship, affection is one of the ways to express how you feel about your mate.  Being affectionate is a form of expressing affection, being tender, loving, caring, attentive, compassionate, and intimate; and not always in a sexual way.  It could be as simple as holding hands, stroking the face or hair, rubbing the knee or noses together, gentle touch, active listening, deep conversation, kissing, and gazing into each other's eyes. Although, sex is a way to show affection, being affectionate is not always about sex.  You do not have to have sex to be affectionate.

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Being affectionate in your relationship shows your mate that you "see" him/her.  It lets him/her know how you feel about them, care about them, and how you enjoy being in their presence.  When the affection shown is authentic, you will get a feeling on the inside that makes your heart flutter, which usually brings a smile to your face. 

 

Affection is important in relationship.  Some people crave that feeling, so it is important that you are affectionate in your relationship.  The woman should not always be the first one to initiate affection, and the man should not always be the one to initiate affection in the relationship.  Don't overthink affection, if you feel in your heart the urge to show affection to your mate, do it in that moment.

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If you are the type of person who does not need affection from your mate, be mindful that although you might not need it, your mate might need it.  Being affectionate might be his/her love language, so it is important to discuss likes and dislikes with your partner to make sure that you are meeting each others relationship needs. 

 

If your family has been extended by having children, it is important that you balance the affection between your mate and your children, making sure that you do not neglect anyone.  You do not want your mate to leave the house craving affection and attention.  Make time to be affectionate with your mate, so he/she does not think that they have to seek it elsewhere.

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By Lynnette Clement