this thread makes me sad.... my mother has never told me that she loves me, she sure has taken time to tell me that she hates me and wishes i were never born because of who my father is.. i havent seen my dad since i was 5, and the only father figure i had, who i thought cared about me was, no, is a pedophile. i used to let it get to me, but i am not gonna let her coldness affect me... the way i see it, shes missing out, because when it comes to my family, friends and pets i am a very warm loving generous person.. she will never get to experience my affection. I do think that kids need to hear and learn how to be affectionate towards other people, but the fact that they grew up without, hopefully, will not have too bad of a negative effect.