Latest news with #affection
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
How your dad says he loves you... without uttering those three words
It seems that fathers are not as good as mums at telling their offspring they love them. But researchers say they show their affection in rather more practical ways. These include lending cash, offering a taxi service and manning the barbecue, a poll found. Overall, 85 per cent of both men and women said their father is the first port of call when they need something. Most Britons say it's the small things their dad does – which also include making cups of tea or taking their cars to be fixed – that shows they truly care. The research, from flower delivery service Bloom & Wild, found one in three (33 per cent) say helping out with a much-needed emergency cash injection shows that dads care. The list of dad's love language gestures includes giving advice on practical things – such as which car to buy (22 per cent) – or looking after the grandchildren (22 per cent) and helping put up shelves or flat-pack furniture (19 per cent). Bringing you a cup of tea (29 per cent), taking your car to get fixed (20 per cent), mowing your lawn (15 per cent) and standing with you at the barbecue (17 per cent) are other key ways many dads continue to show love to their adult children, according to the 2,000 surveyed. The respondents to the survey said their top memories of their fathers included buying them sweets (41 per cent) and giving lifts to friends' houses (40 per cent). Jo Reason of Bloom & Wild which commissioned the poll to mark Father's Day next Sunday, said: 'We can see from the survey that dads express their love in ways that aren't always loud, but they are always meaningful. 'That's why, this Father's Day, we are celebrating the quiet, everyday acts of care that make dads special.' Some 91 per cent agree that, as they get older, they came to realise that their father was right about most things. The same percentage will be buying a present and card for their dad this Father's Day. This research was conducted by Perspectus Global last month.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Your Daily Couples Horoscope for May 17, 2025
Communication is key in any relationship, but sometimes things fall through the cracks. Our daily couple horoscope can help you find what's been lost and maintain that spark! Put a muzzle on your negative side when it comes to your partner. Just because you're thinking it doesn't mean you have to say it. A compliment instead of criticism can really change the tone. You're awfully endearing now, and the affection you show for your partner ought to be reciprocated most handsomely. Whether it's jewelry or a backrub, it's terrific either way. Sure, love's a magical thing, but it also comes down to the practical details. Show your consideration by remembering the little things and honoring even the commitments that seem minor. Taking a baby step or two when it comes to your significant other gets you a lot further now than trying to skip ahead. Take it nice and slow. That way, no one feels under pressure. It isn't your usual style to pull back, but you could be retreating in your releationship a bit now. Give yourself time, but don't forget to keep communicating about what's on your mind. Are you compatible? Reveal your Compatibility Score now! Other people may look sexiest in tight clothes or bling, but your best look is that glow of accomplishment. Lucky you (and lucky partner). The stars say you're really getting it done now. The two of you should have a balance that you really appreciate. Your independence has plenty of room, but the togetherness feels great too. If there's an imbalance, the stars say sort it out now. You're sometimes a secretive sort, which is fine as long as the secrets are of the small, sweet variety. Spill the important stuff and save the surprises for lovely little romantic moments. Sticking with the status quo isn't your favorite MO, but now the stars say trying to make big changes or push limits isn't likely to go well. Hold onto what you've got and let 'em know you like it. If there's something you've been wanting when it comes to your relationship, the stars are giving you the green light to go for it. Of course, starting with a little subtle research never hurt matters. You need to feel secure in yourself to be part of a duo, and you may be less than entirely grounded. Take some solo time to sort yourself out so you can bring your best self to the relationship. Why not just go ahead and run that idea you've got about your relationship by your partner? All your analysis won't be very meaningful until you measure their interest and get their input. Looking for a better romance? Find the empowerment you need with our Karma Love Report. 💞
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Williams Syndrome: The people who are too friendly
People with Williams Syndrome treat strangers as their new best friends. Now the condition is giving clues to our evolutionary past – and what makes us human. Imagine walking down the street and feeling an overwhelming love and warmth for every single person that you met. That is a familiar experience for people with Williams Syndrome (WS), a rare genetic condition that effects approximately 1 in 7,500 individuals. People with WS, often dubbed the 'opposite of autism', have an innate desire to hug and befriend total strangers. They are extremely affectionate, empathetic, talkative and gregarious. They treat everyone they meet as their new best friend, yet there is a downside to being so friendly. Individuals often struggle to retain close friendships and are prone to isolation and loneliness. People with WS are also sometimes too open and trusting towards strangers, not realising when they are in danger, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and bullying. "It's very easy for someone to fool a person with Williams Syndrome and take advantage of them, because they are so trusting," says Alysson Muotri, a professor of paediatrics and cellular and molecular medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). "They give themselves to anybody without prejudice, which seems like a lovely trait, but at the end of the day there is a reason why the human brain evolved to be a little bit suspicious of a new person. You don't know if that person is there to hurt you or to love you, and they [a person with WS] cannot make that distinction," he says. Few people with WS live independently as adults, and many suffer from severe anxiety. There are also health problems that accompany the condition, such as cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. Many people with WS have a lower IQ than the average, for example. Over the last decade, scientists have learned more about the condition, which is offering a unique window into how some of the traits that make us human – such as kindness, trust, and friendliness – evolved. First off, some facts. Humans have 46 chromosomes, organised into 23 pairs. During sperm or egg development, a process called 'recombination' occurs where genetic material is swapped between matching pairs of chromosomes. However in WS, the process goes wrong, and a whole section of DNA from one copy of chromosome seven is accidentally deleted. As a result, people with WS are missing one copy of between 25-27 genes. These genes serve various functions. For example one, ELN, codes for a protein called elastin, which provides flexibility and elasticity to tissues throughout the body. A lack of elastin causes the artery walls to stiffen, leading to lifelong cardiovascular problems for people with Williams Syndrome. Another gene, BAZ1B, affects the growth of what are known as neural-crest cells. These are stem cells which eventually form the basis of many tissues, including the bones and cartilage of the face. People with Williams Syndrome have distinct facial characteristics, such as a small, upturned nose, wide mouth, and small chin. A social gene Yet pinpointing the gene, or genes, responsible for the increased friendliness of people with WS has proved more elusive. One theory is that BAZ1B could have a role here too. Some neural-crest cells go on to form the adrenal glands, which, through their release of adrenaline are responsible for the fight or flight response. It's feasible that people with fewer or impaired neural crest cells could produce less adrenaline. This, in turn, could make them less fearful of strangers. Meanwhile, other scientists believe that a gene called GTF2I could be responsible. For example, research has shown that individual animals who lack GTF2I tend to be more social than other members of their species. Unpublished research suggests that fruit flies who don't have the gene like to eat together. Mice without GTF2I are more likely to approach a second 'stranger' mouse. Dogs also contain a variant of the GTF2I gene thought to make it less effective, which could explain their overt sociability and friendliness compared to wolves. Meanwhile, people who have a duplication of the gene tend to develop a form of autism characterised by social phobia. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which GTF2I controls sociability isn't known. The protein GTF2I codes for is a transcription factor, meaning that it helps to regulate the expression of many other genes. One theory holds that the personality profile of WS individuals could be related to an impairment of myelin, the insulating layer or 'sheath' that wraps around nerves, especially those in the brain and spinal cord. "Just like the electrical cable in your house, which is covered by a plastic insulation layer, myelin is crucial for the proper transmission of electrical signals from one neuron to another," says Boaz Barak, an associate professor at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Barak and colleagues recently showed that not only were mice bred to lack GTF2I more social, but that their neurons contained less myelin. Giving them a drug that improved myelination made their behaviour more like that of other mice. As myelin dramatically speeds up the rate at which electrical signals can travel, one explanation is that the loss of myelin could lead to slower, sluggish nerve cells. This could explain some of the cognitive difficulties faced by people with Williams Syndrome, as well as the poor motor skills associated with the condition. However, Barak believes it could also disrupt the communication between the amygdala, the tiny, walnut shaped region of the brain that processes fear and emotion, and the frontal cortex – a region responsible for decision making, personality, and emotions. This could explain why people with WS do not fear, or mistrust strangers. "What we discovered is that when you don't have GTF2I, the myelination process is impaired, leading to weak communication between the brain regions responsible for fear, and those in charge of social decision-making," says Barak. Intriguingly, a FDA approved drug called clemastine – commonly used to treat allergies – is known to improve myelination. As brain samples donated by people with Williams Syndrome also show impairments in myelination, Barak and his team plan to repurpose clemastine as a potential treatment for the condition. They are currently assessing its safety and effectiveness in a phase 1 clinical trial – the first stage of testing done on humans – due to complete in December 2025. "Individuals with Williams Syndrome have amazing traits that neurotypical people could learn from, so their behaviour is not something that we need to correct necessarily," says Barak. "We meet a lot of families and it is common to hear a parent saying, 'I would never change how much love she gives to the world, or I adore how friendly and loving she is.' However what we are trying to do is to develop treatments based on drugs that are already out there for those who want to use them," he says. Barak's lab have also found that mice bred to lack the gene GTF2I also have dysfunctional mitochondria in their neurons. Mitochondria are the powerplants present in every cell that produce energy for the body to use. Brain samples from individuals with Williams Syndrome also show that their mitochondria do not develop and function properly. "Neurons need energy in order to do their job, and what we found is that without GTF2I, the network of mitochondria does not form correctly," says Barak. "As a result, neurons have trouble meeting their energy needs – they suffer a power outage." As a result of this, toxic substances build up inside the neurons, potentially preventing them from firing properly, according to Barak. Meanwhile, others have suggested that losing the GTF2I gene could increase levels of oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone", in the brain. Research shows that people with WS produce more oxytocin, and have more oxytocin receptors – proteins that recognise and bind to oxytocin – than healthy controls. Muotri, on the other hand, believes that the increased friendliness shown by people with WS can be explained by the number of synapses – or connections – in their brains. In 2016, his team took stem cells from the discarded baby teeth of children with WS. The cells were then reprogrammed to form neurons capable of forming connections, just like those seen in developing brains. On close examination, the neurons of these lab-grown mini brains were remarkably different. "There were more synapses than normal, so the neurons were more branched and made more contacts," says Muotri. In the 2016 study, the team also examined post-mortem samples taken from people with WS who had donated their brains to science. The same patterns were observed – the neurons of people with WS were more branched and formed more connections with other neurons. Although Muotri and his team haven't yet unravelled all of the circuits involved, he suggests that it's likely that in WS, the frontal cortex forms more connections with the parts of the brain involved in reward. "When you remember someone or see someone that you like, your brain releases dopamine which creates a good sensation," he says. "I think people with Williams Syndrome might have a dysregulation in this neurotransmitter. So when they see a new face, they immediately get a release of dopamine, and they feel good about it." On the flip side of the coin, the team found that mini brains grown using stem cells from children with autism have fewer neuronal connections. "We showed that if you lower the expression of the [GTF2I] gene, you make more connections, and if you increase the expression of the gene, you create less connections – which is amazing," says Muotri. As traits like trust, kindness, and friendliness are so important to human survival, Muotri believes that evolution must keep a tight rein on the expression of the GTF2I gene. Humans are a social species, and our very survival rests on collaborating with one another. We need to be able to trust each other to a certain extent. "The specific balance [of GTF2I] is probably quite important, as being too friendly is not a good thing, but not being friendly enough is also not a good thing," says Muotri. "So what evolution has done is tune the expression of that gene – it's found the exact right amount of socialisation that we can all tolerate." * All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health. -- For trusted insights into better health and wellbeing rooted in science, sign up to the Health Fix newsletter, while The Essential List delivers a handpicked selection of features and insights. For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3 Most Affectionate Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers
Some people express their love through acts of service, while others prefer to shower their loved ones with words of affirmation. Still, others find that spending quality time is the most meaningful way to connect. The following zodiac signs prioritize affection and physical touch, cherishing moments spent cuddling with their partners, holding hands with friends, or hugging their family as the most meaningful activities. Read on to discover which star signs are considered the most affectionate, according to expert astrologers. MORE: Check if expert astrologers list your Sun, Moon, or Rising signs. There may be some zodiac signs that are affectionate, but not listed. Remember, you have an entire birth or natal chart worth considering, even if your sun sign isn't listed. NEXT: Taurus is the most sensual zodiac sign, driven by their five senses. As an Earth sign, they are associated with the physical and visible aspects of reality. When in love, Taurus finds small ways to maintain physical contact with their partner. Even in friendships or family settings, they often feel the urge to greet others with hugs, sit closely together, and share compliments accompanied by gentle touches. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, allure, and magnetism, it's no wonder that Taurus craves warm and cozy love. READ: Cancer is a homebody and a creature of comfort. They enjoy snuggling up in bed or on the couch with their pets, partners, or close loved ones more than most. For this star sign, nothing beats skin-to-skin contact. They can easily become burned out by small talk and socializing, requiring extra downtime to recharge. Therefore, spending cozy time with someone special makes them feel loved, supported, and safe enough to retreat out of their hard exterior Crab shell and show their vulnerable, tender emotional side within. OTHER: Pisces is associated with blending physical and non-physical realities and is connected to higher spiritual truths. This star sign embodies affectionate wonder, viewing life through a rose-colored lens. Pisces individuals crave intimacy with their partners, seeking to merge their souls through physical touch. Simple acts of affection allow them to transcend the boundaries that hinder connection, making them feel closer, safe, and secure in their relationships. UP NEXT:
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Science Says This Is the Best Way to Raise Your Kids
Anyone who decides to have children hopes that they will raise kids who turn into good, thoughtful, high-quality adults—but the pathway there can be long and bumpy. Plus, if you have a child who tends to be rambunctious and likes getting into trouble, it can sometimes feel like you're screwing the whole "parenting" thing up. While there's no "right" way to raise a kid, new research suggests that regularly doling out affection can have some major benefits. Of course, raising amazing little humans is a lot more involved than just giving them lots of hugs and encouragement, but these new findings offer a more concrete goal if it feels like your kids will never get it together. Here's what the study found, plus what mental health experts recommend taking away from it. Meet the experts: Jasmin Wertz, PhD, lead author of the study and a professor of psychology at the University of Edinburgh; Tamar Gur, MD, PhD, a reproductive psychiatrist and researcher at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center The study, which was published in the journal American Psychologist, analyzed data that followed 2,232 British identical twins from birth through age 18. The researchers looked at data from home visits with the twins' mothers, analyzing recordings of the moms talking about each of their children. Those recordings were then rated for warmth and affection. At age 18, the children (now teens) were given personality tests to see their 'Big Five' personality traits. These traits are viewed as the five basic dimensions of human personality, and include extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability. The researchers discovered that twins whose moms were more warm towards them as kids —especially between the ages of five and 10—ended up being more open, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults. 'Our findings suggest that interventions to increase positive parenting in childhood have the potential to make a positive population-wide impact through small but sustained effects on personality traits,' the researchers wrote on the conclusion. 'We knew from previous research that the way parents treat their children—such as how affectionate and supportive they are—is linked with how children's personalities develop,' says Jasmin Wertz, PhD, lead author of the study and a professor of psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Usually, it can be hard to know if these type of results would be due to the actual parenting or because the parents passed on specific genes to their kids. This study accounted for that barrier. 'By studying twins who share all of their genes and grow up in the same home, we were able to study the effects of parenting separately from the effects of genes, to see if parenting has an effect on young people's personalities,' Wertz says. The study didn't explore this exact question, but there are some theories. 'If a parent is affectionate, this might teach children to be more understanding and emphatic themselves, thereby fostering agreeableness,' Wertz says. 'Affectionate parenting may also help children regulate their emotions and behaviors, making them more persistent and conscientious.' Being an affectionate parent can also help kids feel supported, says Tamar Gur, MD, PhD, a reproductive psychiatrist and researcher at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'If a child falls, you want to make sure that they feel loved,' she says. 'If they had a difficult day and could use a warm hug, affection is absolutely an important tool there.' That support at home can also help kids feel more comfortable exploring the world and being open with others, Wertz says. At its core, Wertz says that affectionate parenting is about showing your child that you care about them. 'This can look different for every family,' she says. That might mean asking your child about something that interests them, trying to empathize with them, praising good behaviors, using caring and encouraging language, being affectionate with hugs and words, and doing your best to be patient, she says. 'Being affectionate does not mean allowing everything—setting clear limits and consequences are important parenting strategies,' Wertz adds. Dr. Gur stresses this same point, and emphasizes that consistency is really important as a parent. 'Kids have the hardest time with the dysregulation of affection,' she says. 'If you run hot and cold, which can happen, it can be the most difficult for children.' Affection should definitely be an important tool as a parent, says Dr. Gur, 'but it should not be the only tool in your tool belt.' 'If someone is misbehaving or is really dysregulated and you're meeting them with affection, that can be very confusing,' she says. 'That's not how the world works.' By the way, Wertz says that it's important to be kind to yourself while you're parenting, too. 'Many mothers feel stressed, and being mindful and compassionate about your own needs ensures you don't pour from an empty cup,' she says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
