It can be easy to assume that affection is a type of emotion. But what is affection and why do we feel the need for it in our relationships? Affection, much like emotion, is a connection between two people, a kind of social interaction that can exist on varying levels. We can have a need for affection with just about anyone or anything. You feel affection for a family pet or for your parents. You also feel affection towards friends and romantic interests. What is so unique about our need for affection is that it can have varying degrees of intensities, depending on each of your specific relationships.

Affection and emotion seem closely related, but in reality, they are different. Emotion is something attributed internally, while affection is something that you tend to “give” someone.