I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships lately, and in particular, the ways that we withhold affection from the people we care about.
We do this for all sorts of reasons. Maybe we’re afraid of getting hurt. Maybe we don’t want to seem vulnerable. Maybe we think that if we show our affection, the other person will be able to control us.
Whatever the reason, withholding affection is a form of emotional manipulation, and it’s never a good idea.
The thing is, when we withhold affection, we’re not just hurting the other person – we’re also hurting ourselves. We’re missing out on the chance to experience all the good things that come with being close to someone else. We’re missing out on the chance to build a deeper, more meaningful relationship.
So if you find yourself withholding affection from someone you care about, ask yourself why. And then try to let go of whatever it is that’s holding you back. You might be surprised at how good it feels to finally let yourself love and be loved unconditionally.