To me, it is telling people how you really feel. Hugs and physical affection are fantastic and all, and there's nothing better than embracing a friend (even with my mates of the same gender) - but behind forthright and honest about how you feel about someone and importantly - why, is so ... empowering.
Even if it makes you feel so vulnerable.
I don't take any of my close friendships or relationships for granted, and from having a total stranger tell me (at my father's funeral) - that my dad was so proud of me, that hurt more than they could know - because he never told me.
So I make it a point to tell my friends that I cherish and respect, and adore their presence, and the positive things they bring into my life.
It is healthy to normalise this behaviour, and people that are afraid to do it - shouldn't be!
Love it. You've called out another of my love languages - Like you, I love to share and receive 'words of affection'. And like you, I have heard precious few from my father. Seems we really need to receive love in particular ways for it to really land, hey?
Absolutely. Such a shame to not know about it while people were around to be able to give it, or perhaps a shame that they were not enabled to give it. I am still enthralled by how open my in-laws are with their genuine love and affection for me.
It feels odd, and strange, but I am but an artefact of my upbringing. Every choice, every action that touched us in the past, paves the way to what we are in the present moment.
Now, I feel like I'm in control, and can be honest about my feelings, but It's taken nearly forty years (from brith to now!)