Cariño

Cariño is a Spanish word for affection, but it’s more than just physical affection: It’s being warm and affectionate with one’s use of language, tone, and even one’s gaze. It’s looking at your partner lovingly, adoringly, like he or she is the most precious person on Earth. This is different than looking at the person with naïveté or projecting fairly-tale-like goodness; rather, it’s about loving regardless of your partner’s not-so-perfect human tendencies and characteristics. No one is perfect. Women, in particular, can be harsh with their judgments. Even though I am very affectionate with my partner, I have judgments that rise up in me from time to time. I am aware of my tendency to be a harsh critic so I keep a close watch on myself, and when I feel the critic rise up in me, I give her cariño as well.