I've never seen a need to tell my therapist what he means to me. He knows. That's enough really. He's not family, so I don't feel that demonstrative about my feelings toward him.

Other people. Different story. I have a very demonstrative family. We greet and part with hugs and kisses. We tell each other "I love you" quite regularly and comfortably. It's always been that way, not just in my immediate family group (yes, even my sons are affectionately demonstrative), but with my parents and sisters and cousins, etc.

Not that way with everyone. Not everyone do I really feel that depth for. However, I show people my respect, my support, and my kindness as consistently as possible. I find most people around me are very much the same way.