During my recent trip to Dubai, my father asked, “Do you need any money?” Without a second thought, I replied, “No.” I am financially independent, after all. But upon later reflection, I realized something profound.
My father seldom showed overt displays of emotion. Growing up, he never said, “I love you,” yet my siblings and I always knew he cared deeply. He demonstrated it through ensuring our well-being, rather than through words or physical affection.
A few days later, he asked again, “Do you need any money?” This time, I said yes. He handed me a few hundred dirhams, and a wave of unexpected joy washed over me. It wasn’t about the money; it was about feeling nurtured, like a child again. This sensation stirred a sense of nostalgia after years of shouldering responsibility and self-sufficiency.
When we dined out, I let him pay the bill, savoring the moment and the unspoken love it conveyed. Accepting his support enabled me to embrace his unique expression of love. It brought us closer as I experienced the warmth of his care in a way I hadn’t appreciated before.
Love speaks in different ways, and recognizing this has made all the difference.