What is affection? Vocabulary and examples from Psychology

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

The relationship we have with someone or something says a lot about our psychological construction. This is because the interaction between two beings carries fundamental details in its construction and propagation. Therefore, see the meaning of affection and some examples from a psychological point of view.

What is affection?

Affection is the act of nurturing a caring and protective relationship with a loved one Because of the intimate and positive history we have built with a person, we tend to be more loving towards that individual. This comes through words, gestures, and especially emotions that express a feeling of love.

Psychology states that affection is a state where we are more open to showing our emotions to another being. It is worth noting that this does not resort to any sexual type behavior in interactions So it is more like a very deep friendship.

Because of changes in the external world, we end up influencing ourselves internally. In short, the environment creates favorable conditions to be more affectionate with others If a situation that evokes love in its best form appears, we will certainly give ourselves to it. Of course, this depends directly on each person's personal experience.

Why should we be affectionate?

Affection allows a greater and better contact between human beings, as well as animals. Through it, we can build mutual alliances, ideal for positive social coexistence. In other words, the idea here is not to come together for private benefits, but for the collective. The world only works because we allow ourselves to be affectionate and feed our interactions with that .

As soon as they are born, young individuals find no inhibitions to act naturally. The environment around them influences the construction of this aspect, shaping how it will be manifested from then on. Unlike babies, adults choose with whom they will be affectionate or not.

Affectivity demonstrates a sincere disposition to social and emotional collaboration within a group Because of this, we develop a special bond that differs one being from another. A good example is best friends, who receive more appreciation.

Advantages

Affection opens many doors, both for the giver and the receiver, because it changes our emotional structure, influencing the way we act in the external world, Affectionate people tend to share what they keep and end up passing on to others what they keep good in themselves. We can see this in:

  • Sharing

When we are affectionate, we tend to share what we have This can be material goods for those in need, and even positive feelings, but there is also the inverse way, since we also offer ourselves in moments of crisis for others, that is, those who cultivate affection tend to have more humanized attitudes.

  • Perspective

Unfortunately, it is common for unhappiness to take over some people's lives. Part of this is due to the picture of isolation they suffer, with no one around to give them attention. When we are affectionate and receive it back, our perspective changes. We tend to be more optimistic about life and the future .

  • Emotional resilience

Affectivity also contributes to the strengthening of our internal structure. With this, we end up creating a greater resilience to some traumas, regardless of the size. This strength, we create the strength to recover and move forward fearlessly .

Our nature

As stated above, living beings are born with a natural affection for life. When young, even motivated by innocence, they try to see the world with a greater lovingness. This is how they gain experience to better deal with the future. Without realizing it, this ends up influencing how they demonstrate such a state.

See_also: Metamorfose Ambulante: an analysis of Raul Seixas' song

As we grow up, we instinctively notice where and when we should be affectionate. This is because we notice the natural movements of some people and places. Thus, we become more selective, directing who does or does not deserve our affection. This happens on account of defense or simply a dislike for the other person.

Read Also: The Power of Words: How Words Affect Us

Based on our experiences, we build the ideal conditions to be affectionate. This can happen in a happy moment, in a sad moment, and even in the moment of apologizing, recognizing a mistake. In other words, we are designed to relate well, but many are conditioned or prefer to go against their nature .

Examples

To better see what affection is, check out these examples below. They translate well what has been talked about so far above. Note that this is not a win-win relationship, since that is secondary between the two. But it shows itself more as a genuine surrender of love and affection without expecting anything in return.

This can be seen in:

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Relationship between mother and baby

From birth, the child receives full support, care, and protection from its mother. Not only in the human species, but also in the animal kingdom this happens Monkeys of various species take care of the younger ones, regardless of the degree of kinship between them. In addition, dogs, cats, cows... Etc, take care of their young and others until they come of age.

A couple

A healthy relationship is permeated by small attitudes that remind you of why you are together. Imagine a couple on the street who are surprised by a rainstorm with no warning. They have no place to wait together, will certainly protect themselves, even if without much success Even if you have an umbrella, you can easily give more coverage to the other one.

Friendship

Friends are the ultimate proof of how well affection can be worked on. That's why at all times they are helping and supporting each other as a way of showing affection and boosting the other. On sadder and more desolate days, this connection is fundamental to boost esteem. More than any other, true friends will always show their love for us .

Final considerations: affection

Affection shows itself as a love letter from us to others Even if nothing is said or written, we distribute the most sincere attitudes of love to those we value. This ends up strengthening a bond that already existed, avoiding eventual breaks in it. In other words, it is a cyclical and returnable movement: as we give, we receive.

Therefore, I believe that it can be well worked on and improved more and more:

See_also: Phenomenological Psychology: principles, authors and approaches
  • look at the way you are currently conducting your relationships;
  • think about how to reinforce and celebrate the bond you have together.
  • Whether you are a mother, friend, or lover, show that you are always willing to give him care and protect him.

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George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.