Affection [H]

The humblest and least distinct form of love, said to be the closest to the animal sense of need/gift love inherent in the relationship between a mother and her young, affection contains no cognition or volition. It is very wide in scope and can occur between people of totally different qualities and backgrounds. Such an emotion, in that it requires no specific qualities, can be twisted on these grounds to demand acceptance of undesirable behaviour, or to require evidence of being needed where no need exists. It therefore needs to be balanced by reason and common sense.