Words of love shape personality

Clinical psychologist Dr Dakari Quimby, interviewed by Parade, says that saying "I love you" to a child is more than just a phrase—it forms a key part of their internal sense of security.

Secure attachment and emotional growth

These words help children develop a secure attachment, which becomes a psychological foundation for future relationships. This attachment also builds their confidence, ability to handle challenges, and emotional resilience.

Lack of love and its effects

Children who don't receive verbal expressions of love at home may develop specific personality traits in adulthood. These can include a need for constant external validation, extreme generosity, and difficulty forming a personal identity.

Emotional consequences of neglect

The absence of love can lead to fear of rejection, perfectionism, or fear of being abandoned. Dr Quimby explains that children may internalize the lack of affection as a personal failure, leading to low self-esteem and persistent feelings of insecurity.

Generosity as a coping mechanism

A lack of love can lead some individuals to give excessively in relationships, hoping to receive love in return. This behavior is rooted in the belief that being kind enough might earn them affection.

Identity struggles and emotional security

Children raised by emotionally unavailable parents may struggle to form a personal identity. Without a secure emotional base, they find it difficult to explore and understand the world, affecting their sense of self as they grow.