While growing up did you see your mother and father kissing sometimes? Maybe being cuddly with each other? Was it something that made you shy, turn your head or say, 'yuk'? How did it impact you? Do you see it as a positive effect on your life as far as relationships now?
Now if your parents did not express love for each other, do you feel that impacted your life? Did make you shy about being close in future relationships?
The only time I remember my parents kissing is when my dad had to go into the hospital for an extended stay. My family has never been much for any kind of public display of affection. I don't kiss Paul in public much either, only a quick kiss when he drops me off at work. I wish I had seen my parents be more affectionate. I think that children need to see that their parents love each other. I don't mean that they should make out in front of them, just be affectionate.
My folks have always been cuddly and "lovey-dovey" around us kids and in public. Holding hands, arm around the shoulder or waist, quick "smooches" and such. They were not so cuddly or affectionate with us kids, though, and I craved that affection. Now, I'm a very cuddly *mom* and my kids are hugged and tickled and cuddled and smooched (yes, even my 22 year old son!) very affectionately. And my son is very gentle and affectionate with his girlfriend! It makes me happy to see.
My parents were very affectionate to each other and to all of us children. They were very playful too.
Dad would stand behind Mom, and tickle her neck and shoulders with a feather, or string or even by blowing on her. Sometimes they would tease each other and end up outside with the water pistols. All of us kids would join in on the teasing too.
It was fun to chase your Mom and Dad around the outside of the house trying to squirt them with water and still avoid being drenched with the garden hose that Mom commandeered!!
In my first marriage, we weren't cuddly or smoochy. I am oh so thankful that this new hubby loves to cuddle, smooch, hold hands, tease and laugh. I have never laughed so much as I have these last three weeks.
I think parents should show affection, be playful, tease in a playful way and most definitely should involve the children too. Love and laughter are signs of a healthy and secure family.