LB: “It is important to note that true love also comes with respect and the voluntary ability or choice to give and receive. Giving to someone wouldn’t be enough if it comes with unhealthy behaviors and such.
I mention this because it can be confusing when someone both gives to and hurts someone a lot. It can look like love from the outside but inside it’s quite different.”
Yes, obviously you are correct. I wasn’t trying to suggest that giving was the only thing in a relationship, but that it is a first step to develop the emotional connection that is commonly called love. Of course there is a lot of follow-up, as you say. The common practice of trading presents may be part of this at some superficial level.