Because we are bartering different things in relationships. We would have heard about parents buying their children's affections with toys or "character building" words. And wonder how those people develop those blind spots.

If "I love you" don't work on me, chances are I am not telling that to people that I care. When people close to me ask to try out new food, I am not just a guinea pig. I am also helping them do peer reviews or collaborate on their scientific endeavors.

Now excuse me while I charge my social battery before I say something ..... unfiltered.