I do agree with what u say Kate i'd rather be shown love affection of the nice kind

than to be told - trust that much more, anyone can mutter words that they may or maynot feel whereas showing is a direct way with the word as reinforcement of that feeling, as u said also the downside is that bit about hubby could say that word then reinforce it with a hit - now u get the crux of why women/men can stay in violent relationships cos a hit is association of love to them, now u know how powerful it is.