What is tenderness?
Defining tenderness with words is not easy, but if we consult the dictionary it comes to tell us in the first place that it is a feeling of endearing affection that We manifest before people, animals, things or situations by their sweetness, naivety, weakness, kindness, candor, delicacy, innocence, affection, affection or love.
The second reading that gives us the meaning of tenderness is that it is a pure and spontaneous feeling that we demonstrate with infinite care and an instinctive and disinterested need to protect and care for that being or object.
But a third reading could still be made about what tenderness means and that is that it is a subjective feeling. That is, not all of us awaken the feeling of tenderness or the same things or the same people.
For many people, the fact that their partner, loved ones or friends count among their traits of personality with the quality of tenderness is a very desirable added value because if they cannot be selfish acts.
Tenderness is a state of mind where sweetness and unconditional love are mixed that comforts those who receive it and those who offer it. It relieves children, the sick, the depressed..., but sometimes it is difficult for us to express this feeling because it can expose our own vulnerability.
In any case, when we offer tenderness, personal satisfaction is never sought, but on the contrary, the relief of the other.
- Related article: "What is social psychology?"
Psychology of tenderness
However, tenderness is also analyzed from a scientific point of view by psychology, although very recently, which defines it as a comforting emotion.
For psychology, indeed, tenderness goes beyond a sensation or a gesture towards something or someone, and is also postulated as a type of language that has its translation in our relationships and whose implementation is very beneficial for our wellness.
I mean, practicing tenderness makes us feel good because it connects us with an emotional register that makes us experience calm, confidence and positivity when we carry it out. And although it may seem a lie, because of the material world in which we are immersed, there are many studies that show that tenderness continues to triumph. For this reason, they make us enjoy, for example, videos with animal puppies. In this case, these have a high therapeutic power generating psychological well-being.
Psychology also says in relation to tenderness that applying this provides quality to our links, although currently in this field it is a somewhat neglected aspect. Tenderness is an act that translates into affection and empathy within our social relationships because it is carries out directly through closeness and brings out our sweetest and most sensitive.
In this way, in the couple, tenderness gives meaning to love. Without those gestures full of tenderness that we give to the other, love is not understood, neither is sexuality nor coexistence. It would be missing an important element that we transmit through the language of tenderness and that the other person perceives and makes them feel loved, respected, valuable and safe.
In the world of children and animals the power of tenderness is almost magical. Not only does it favor the instinct to protect and care in those who practice it, but whoever needs it registers it as a wake-up call.
Tenderness is also, according to psychology, a guarantee of survival because it is normally granted to those who need it most, children, pets, the elderly, etc. and we express it through caresses, hugs and affection, something on the other hand that gives the person a feeling of security, happiness and feeling loved.
Another positive property of cuteness is that relieves everyday stress just by being around people, things or animals that inspire us that feeling, something that those who have pets at home know very well, a decoration or a pleasant and pleasant environment in their home or those who are waiting for your loved ones with a smile, kisses and hugs after the workday.
Tenderness is the authentic expression of affection, therefore, investing in tenderness, psychologists say, is betting on the quality of our bonds and our mental health.
- You may be interested in: "The 8 types of emotions (classification and description)"
The value of tenderness
Tenderness is when someone cares for you and caresses you feeling protected and calm, but without possession.
When you feel tenderness towards your partner, another person or your pet, not only do you feel good but you notice that time flies by.
Tenderness not only does it not make the world more vulnerable but the world would be another with more tenderness.
Such is the strength of tenderness that it is a source of endless harmony and forgiveness without the need to use words, only a glance or a gesture is worth it. Tenderness is heard with the heart.
Unlimited generosity and without expecting any compensation is the result of the explosion of tenderness.
Those who risk the most in love are the bravest, generous, compassionate and tender at the same time.
Tenderness makes you great and strengthens the heart, brings out the best of the human essence and shares it with others.
Tenderness is also patience and wisdom, whoever loves has time and learns to be compassionate, understanding and tolerant. Life tends to give you back what you give.
Tenderness inspires affection, trust and dedication without measure because it is a shared feeling.
Tenderness should be the backbone of the human being and his bedside book to walk through life with tough skin and a tender heart.
The deepest and most serene feeling that we can have is not passion but tenderness. Love without tenderness is an empty feeling.
The first contact with tenderness is the contact with the mother's breast, which we sometimes keep in our memory for a lifetime. The tenderness of a mother is the most disinterested of all.
If we have used tenderness as the engine of our life, when death comes to us we will never regret it, it is a perfect companion.
When we run out of words, we just have to let tenderness express itself. That feeling rocks us.
If someone is drowned by anguish or you want to connect with it, offer them tenderness, it will be enough to penetrate a haven of peace, the most precious thing that exists.
If you have discovered, you have entered and you have navigated tenderness, the great gift of life, it will be difficult for you to abandon that path, it will be part of your existence.
Tenderness is something that is always desired because it feeds the soul, but it is not always obtained because it is a trait of sensitive people.
It is easier to catch and conquer with tenderness than with toughness, strength and aggressiveness. Tenderness is what gives strength.
Tenderness is humble, it adapts to any circumstance, experience and situation in life.
Children are the personification of tenderness because they carry it to the surface and in their deepest feelings. The best way to educate them is with tenderness.
One who has tenderness more easily shows his most genuine feelings of sympathy, affection and sweetness.
How to enhance tenderness
Tenderness is a basic feeling, along with sadness, joy, fear or anger, that enables us to show empathy and affection towards other people, animals or things. To live in harmony we all have and feel the need and receive love and tenderness. Nothing easier and at the same time more difficult if one is used to opening his heart to the purest feelings.
But in reality, the tenderness It is manifested through gestures as simple as sweet words, caresses, care, kindness, closeness, a smile or a hug, for example. Such simple gestures that at the same time can open a world of possibilities for affection and empathy, as well as helping others to feel good.
There are also other ways to express affection and tenderness, such as a loving look in recognition, a phone call to someone that we know that he is waiting for her, a small gift as a symbol that we have remembered something important for someone, giving up the seat in a place public to a person who needs it, giving conversation to someone who is lonely or sad, in short, there are a thousand ways to be kind through tenderness.
Obviously there are many ways to express tenderness. Sometimes these are subject to fashion, traditions, culture or personal situations, but it is certainly a good practice to listen slowly and ask for forgiveness and give thanks.
Tenderness is a feeling of altruistic affection that we offer without expecting anything in return and that we can express with small gestures, but whose consequences will contribute to increase respect, understanding and attention towards those who offer it, but also towards ourselves.
The normal thing, on the other hand, is that whoever receives these samples of tenderness reciprocates with affection, kindness, almost always with a smile, and in any case with gratitude and warmth, so it becomes a very gratifying mutual act for both parts.
Experts say that tenderness is perhaps the only feeling related to love that cannot be faked because loving with tenderness is caring, therefore, it is never too late for tenderness.