Growing up in the Christian church one hears much about the importance of love. As a child, this doesn’t mean much. Our society is built on being kind to children. We smile at them. We are quick to complement. We call them they’re good boys and girls. A child is more likely – not guaranteed – but more likely to have love in their life. Yet, open displays of love between adults are a much rarer sight. The psycho-social psychologist Erik Erikson makes it quite clear that stages of development are not steps on a stair. One does not need trust in a caregiver as a baby and never again after. One does not need a sense of autonomy in their lives at age two and never again. The love our society decided children need is not one that dissipates as they age.
It’s interesting that adults find themselves in family, friend, and lover relationships bereft of the simple acts of love – smiles, compliments, and reassurances – so common in the societal relationships between adults and young children. Why this is the case; It’s too early in the morning to know. I’m not here to persuade anyone onto this point anyhow. This blog is meant to highlight an ignorance many people experience and encourage change.
As adults, we can’t wrestle the world into a more loving place. We can lead by example (love others) and make our need for simple love known to those close to us.
