It takes time for them to learn that when they relate to someone else they enhance the life of the other. When they withdraw, the other is effectively diminished. One of the marks of maturity is wisdom in how we deal with others. To always engage in relationships for our own benefit depletes the resources of the other and impoverishes our own spirit. Relationships rooted in love are harder and harder to find.
Love gives to the other.
It is inconvenienced for the other. It suffers for the other. Love dies for the other. Maybe someday a little girl will understand that her daddy peeled her orange, not to win her love, but because he loved her. Father, I thank you for little children and the lessons they teach me.