What does it take for you to feel loved? Does it require the receiving of gifts? Is it in the joy of seeing the reaction of the recipient? Most prefer to receive than give, some even return ‘love’ to what they perceive as the equivalent value of the gift. A relationship based solely on material value is nothing short of toxic.

Of course, men and women differ greatly in what makes them feel loved. There are those who feel it through small things like calling them after an appointment to see how they are. It could be having a napkin at the ready because they know you will knock something over sooner or later.

Men, not all of them, like to be respected. This too often comes with conditions attached. Often these requirements are not reciprocated and the relationship is one way. We all place demands on others to treat them right, but do we ever tell them how to do it?

One thing I have discovered is that older women value a good listener. The greatest gift is the selfless giving of time. Many would disagree, there would have to be a physical aspect too – sex. In a partnership, perhaps, but that cannot be applied to all relationships. So we need to discover the common denominators for us all, then we will all be able to experience love as we will be more loving.

What makes you feel loved, comment below.