What Does It Mean, and How Does It Feel To Be Truly Loved?

Being loved is both an incredible and necessary feeling. However, there are many ways to express emotions. Incredibly, everyone’s needs, wants, and responses differ. Here are some examples of ways people want to be loved and some psychology behind the emotion. 

Being Loved is Fundamental

Firstly, humans need to be loved for many reasons but it’s “fundamental to human nature.” For instance, being loved helps one form one’s identity. Moreover, many psychiatric disorders are worsened by experiences of not feeling loved. Lastly, one can find meaning through mutually significant relationships, and “the need for meaning is fundamental to human nature.”

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Ways to Be Loved

Secondly, everyone has a different love language; some thrive on words of affirmation, while others feel loved when they are showered with gifts. Meanwhile, some prefer physical touch, and others want to spend quality time with those who matter most. Either way, being loved is one of the most beautiful yet complex aspects of life. Interestingly, a current, heartwarming TikTok trend has girls sharing screenshots of their conversations with their loved ones. It’s a prime example of how words of affirmation reinstill a sense of being loved. However, as previously mentioned, everyone wants to be loved differently; here are some other examples of what people have expressed wanting.

Reciprocation is Key

“I want to be loved the way I love.” While everyone has varying beliefs about what it means to be loved, reciprocated love is one of the easiest ways to build a strong and happy relationship. No one wants to invest themselves into a romantic, platonic, or professional relationship, without feeling like they’ve been met halfway, at the very least.

Hug to Feel Loved

“I want to be hugged after a tough day.” Inevitably, life has challenges for everyone, but the support of a partner or loved one can make the most daunting tasks seem manageable. A hug after a hard day at work or school is invaluable; it provides comfort and a sense of security. Furthermore, studies have shown that hugging promotes better health in older adults and reduces stress hormones while increasing the production of mood-boosting hormones.

Loved Gently

“I want to be loved in the gentlest way possible.” Being gentle with ourselves isn’t easy for most people so, it’s unsurprising that people would struggle to treat others this way. However, learning to be forgiving, compassionate, or understanding with ourselves and others creates a world where more people, hopefully, everyone, knows they’re loved. Additionally, considering the wants and needs of others creates a sense of appreciation and security, strengthening bonds.

Reminders that People are Loved

“I want to be told it’s okay.” Even the happiest of people have sad, tough, and off days. However, it’s invaluable to be reminded that you’re still loved and it’s okay to be tired, grumpy, or unable to meet all of today’s demands. The important part is that you’re together, and will tackle those tough moments as a team. Additionally, mental health plays a role in how people approach situations. As such, outside support from mental health professionals may be a beneficial resource for many relationships.

Saying Sorry Instead

People make their own decisions but often consult with the people they love. However, they don’t always take the advice given. Nor do things always work out for them. In response, most people intuitively say “I told you so.” Instead, being met with something like “I’m sorry that happened to you” is much more supportive and tells someone they’re loved, despite feeling disappointed or embarrassed.

Tough Stuff

It’s not easy having difficult conversations about the future, belief systems, and day-to-day annoyances that can lead to feelings of neglect, disrespect, or being unloved. However, they’re necessary for the overall health of the relationship. Not only do they offer insight into compatibility or who someone becomes when tensions run high. They also help create a stronger bond and a more communicative environment. Meanwhile, open communication and honesty are the biggest building blocks for a healthy relationship, in which both parties know they’re loved.

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Some Want Inclusivity

“I want to be part of their story.” One of the most impactful ways to know you matter to someone is to be included. When people become so engrained that they share in celebrating every milestone and facing every challenge, they build healthy and supportive relationships. Moreover, inclusivity when spending time with friends or loved ones can help a partner feel secure, ultimately providing a reminder that you’re loved and a sense of safety.

Plans for the Future

“I want to be part of their future.” Vulnerability is difficult for most people, but people often have to be vulnerable when they share their hopes and dreams. As such, someone who opens up about their future and includes you in the plan will likely regularly remind you you’re loved.

Simplistic Reminders

Although some ways to know you’re loved are in-depth, smaller everyday moments offer reminders. Sometimes, these reminders are subtle and show up in things like taking out the trash for one another or cleaning up after the kids or fur babies.

Other examples include:

• Caring for you when you’re sick.
• Staying by your side through good and bad times.
• Doing the Dishes.
• Post-it notes about gratitude and love for the relationship.
• Make coffee so the other person can sleep in.
• They make time to hear about your day.
• They share their day.

Parenthood

Lastly, feeling loved or valued is important in every relationship. Parents show their children unconditional love, often going above and beyond for them. Some examples include waking up during the night to care for them, backtracking because they lost their blanket or favorite toy somewhere, and meeting them with understanding when they make a mistake.

Friendship

In friendship, making someone feel loved includes:

• Encouraging them to follow their dreams.
• Encouraging them to pursue the things that make them happy and bring them peace.
• Share laughter and joy.
• Include them on trips or get-togethers.
• Send silly or thoughtful memes to remind them you’re thinking of them.

Family

Family dynamics can be tough to navigate as many are toxic and unhealthy. However, showing up for people to the best of your ability while maintaining your boundaries is a great way to show your family they matter to you. In contrast, showing others you care is easy when you have a healthy and happy family dynamic. Some examples include:

• Send Flowers
• Send a text, picture, or meme.
• Make a call to say hello between meetings or classes.
• Visit
• Lastly, Visit with goodies like baked goods or a homemade meal.

Professional

Professional relationships can be tough to navigate because we rely on them for our paychecks. Additionally, we spend more time at work with our colleagues and supervisors than at home. Therefore, keeping the peace is ideal. However, it’s easy to become burnt out or feel frustrated with the position we are in at times. While feeling loved doesn’t always apply in a professional setting, feeling appreciated is important to prevent a hostile work environment. Moreover, when employees and co-workers feel appreciated, they’re more inclined to perform at a higher quality.

Love is a complex feeling and emotion, and navigating it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are easy signs to see when you are loved and easy ways to show others they matter to you.

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