Growing up, I was never told "I love you" or shown any real signs of affection. In high school, when friends wanted to give hugs or said any version of "I love you" I would feel uncomfortable and never said it back. I've gotten over the hug stuff, but I still find it very hard to vocally show like or love and the only time it tends to come out is when I'm being abandoned.

It doesn't mean I don't feel the intense love. I just can't vocalize it well at all. I always feel bad when someone says they love me, in any form, and I sit there like a deer caught in headlights not knowing what to say back.