Do we (adult) humans, or maybe more specifically, do you as an adult...

Love is really an inherent property of who we are. It’s really the dynamic energy of our being. The juice of our existence. The sad truth is we’re generally cut off from that. We have so much baggage about who is appropriate to love, what types of loves are acceptable, and a lot of very impoverished ideas about what love is and can be. It seems even our language betrays this as none of the many words on Classical Greek which describe different types of love have analogs in English. We have love as a bucket for a range of human experience that covers romantic love, agapic love, fraternal love, love for a child. Certainly no language for nuances within any of those categories.

I have seen how loving and developing the capacity of love has been healing for people. It gives life meaning, it gives us the energy of great creativity, courage, patience. When we love we step outside of ourselves. And when we step outside of ourselves remarkable things can happen. We can become and do great things. I think it’s hard for us to see this because we just throw all types of love into one bucket.

And I have seen how loving a person has healed that person. It makes me grateful to have that capacity. I see them perk up, shine, unfold, blossom. I see that in my volunteer work, my spiritual practice, but I see it in my romantic relationship. I love this woman and it is food. And she feeds me back. This is why loved people flourish.

They did psychological studies on children in the 1890’s in orphanages and the studies involved giving children love and affection and not giving the other children love and affection.

The children who didn’t get any love and affection got sick and died and the other children faired well.

Expects say this experiment is so unethical they wouldn’t even consider doing it to monkeys

Hm. I did not grow up in an affectionate or overtly loving home and often feel awkward in situations where I want to express those things, so I tend to think need-wise, love is very potent and a little can go a long long way in a drought. I believe we need some, yes. And those accustomed to much might actually need more than those used to little in order to function adequately. Mostly though, I think a lot of what we see is people in love with the fantasy of love. Want of those euphoric moments untempered by the reality of all the pain charged in balance being mistaken for “need.” Not sure there are many of us who haven’t indulged in those daydreams. 😅

Love and affection from others is vital to our self-esteem and mental health.

I have survived without it.

I do miss it though. If I could have it, I'd take it.

Of course humans need love and affection. It doesn't always have to be in the form of a spouse, or a parent, because humans, like dry sponges, will soak up anything we can if and when it is available.

What comes to mind is the incredible kindness of both of my grandmothers, and the care and concern given to me by one of my Aunts, and more recently the care shown to me by my cousins and by some of the people from my church.

I didn’t grow up around “huggers”. My family was very reserved.
When I started dating, I met girls whose families were very affectionate.. I never really warmed up to the idea though.

I come across as aloof or distant..in social settings.
I do much better with people’s pets..

I don’t know. I feel like I needed it more when I was a child. As an adult I’ve already established those who love me truly & unconditionally. They are more than enough for me. It isn’t a coincidence that those selective few are the ones that I love with all my heart, as well. I’m not actively seeking it from anyone else. To me respect matters a lot more than love when it comes to the rest of people.

"We must delight in each other,
make others conditions our own...
― John Winthrop

I think most humans do need that, as far as their overall well-being. If not physical affection, than just knowing someone does feel love and affection for them.
Humans in forced solitary conditions for very long often feel despair, and the littlest kindness or affection from someone is what keeps them from total loss of hope. Many non-human animals are the same.

My self as an adult ,does need love and affection, love is what connects to hearts together without love theres no bond ,no desire ,no need or want or lust .We all crave love ,we may not always feel thats what is needed but we do ,its the one thing thats when its gone in your life the mind ,body ,and soul knows the emptiness the void it leaves behind ,and the affection that I need ,to feel as though I am a person that matters to another through the power of touch from the touch of a hand the words of appreciation are all that builds the unity of affection for the one who you are with .

I have found it disappointing and its not something I want at the moment.

According to the Beetles, that is all we need!

[media=https://youtu.be/_7xMfIp-irg]

I'd like consideration.

I think the only true needs we have.. are food, water, shelter and clothes. Everything else is a want or a desire. That's reality minus romance or fantasy.

But oh what an empty life it would be.

I find it strange that you have to think about it. Of course humans need love and affection. We are not machines.

It all goes back to Maslows Hierarchy of needs...

We need love and affection as a basic need

I desperately desire it but it is usually distant.

[media=https://youtu.be/vZT-bB66iIk]
loneliness leads to early death

I can live without it quite easily, but I still want it.