Affection

Is your family an affectionate family? What would that look like?  Or what should it look like?  I've been thinking about this recently. 

I watch TV shows and movies, read books where people are open, teasing, laughing, hugging.  And I remember I wanted that when I was growing up.

My Aunt Margie was always a hugger, always willing to sit down and talk about things, serious things, funny things, feelings.  Even though she and my mother were raised in the same household, they are completely different people.  Then again, same for me and my sister.  

When I had kids, I always made the effort to be more like my Aunt, less like my mom.  But when I'm around my mother, we revert to old ways.  I'm the caretaker, taxi driver, one who handles phone calls.  And when I am around MrZ and MsJ, I'm a hugger, take time to talk, give praise, and say I love you.

And today's book read mentioned "caring about appearances".  And I realize that appearance was put above affection.  Even now, I see that trend in my mom.  She bought chairs that recline and swivel - but she hates looking at the round metal base the chair sits on.  So much so that she sewed some fabric to cover it up.  IMO that looks goofier than the metal base. 

But that's how she is ... always worried about how things look to others.  Sometimes I wonder what kind of elderly lady I will become.  I've taken to apologizing to my daughter for how I might be in the future.  lol. 

If you have family around you, remember its important to be affectionate, to tell them things you feel so they *know*.   Love them!!!