Hi UCLAfan ~ Gosh, I know exactly what you mean. When I was growing up, my folks NEVER gave me a hug, NEVER told me they loved me, never gave me ANYTHING. I don't know why they bothered to have kids! There were 4 of us girls, and they didn't pay attention to ANY of us. All of us suffer from depression.

But you know what i found out?? I found out that my parents couldn't give me something they didn't have!!! THEY didn't get the love, so how could they give ME any?? They didn't get hugs & kisses -- how could them give them to me?? It took me awhile, but I did forgive them.

I decided I was going to STOP that cycle of non-loving. When I had kids, I SHOWERED them with love & kisses & hugs. Even to this day, whenever I talk to them or see them, they are told how much they are loved -- and I always give them hugs. My son is 40 and my daughter is 35. They don't have to wonder if I love them -- they know. Plus my granddaughter knows I love her too!

It's too bad that my parents didn't know how to show love because they would have gotten it back ten-fold. Maybe YOUR parents have the same problem. They just might not know HOW to show you the love.

God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee