he's affectionate

Matt is the most affectionate person I have ever met. He loves to show love all of the time. He wants to always be hugging, kissing, holding hands, etc. When Matt gives kisses, it's not just one or two, it's five or more. It's not quick either, he's a linger-er. I love affection but it has caused some awkward moments that's for sure.

We still joke about Matt's first Christmas with my family. He opened a gift from me and kissed me. I opened one from him, he kissed me. He opened one from someone else, he kissed me. I opened one from someone else, he kissed me. My mom opened one from my dad, he kissed me. You get the idea. One day I was standing in my mom's bathroom talking to her. Matt squeezes in the door, past my mom, and starts kissing me. He actually had to work to get there but acted like I was the only one in the room. She didn't know if she should keep talking, or walk out and shut the door. I confronted Matt about these sometimes awkward situations and he said, "Babe, I don't think it's awkward! I love you!" And you guessed it, he gave me a big, fat, kiss.

The bishop of our first married ward teased us about "cuddling" in church. They would turn up the AC so high in the summer we were all freezing. As he was conducting a meeting he stood up and said, "let's all follow the Wood's example and cuddle up to keep warm" and he gave us a big wink. Once I was sitting on Matt's lap in our apartment, kissing on him, and the bishop walked right by our window and looked in and gave me a little wave. He was always punching Matt in the shoulder and giving him a big wink and eyebrow raise and I was always embarrassed.

Our babies have often had blotchy red spots on their head where Matt's given them loves. When they cry, he just hugs and kisses over and over. Kaden is his daddy's boy. He is always smothering me, Beckham and Matt with kisses, hugs, and endless affection. One night when Beckham was really sick Matt was giving him a blessing and about every other sentence he kissed him. Whenever he hugs my mom, he leans his head down and kisses the top of her head.

Matt's display of affection is just genuine love. We've been teased and scolded, and maybe I am in denial, but I really think there is nothing gross or tasteless about our affection. I like to think we just look and have always looked like a couple that loves each other. I sometimes get in a hurry and rush by Matt not realizing his arms are outstretched for a hug. Sometimes I only want one kiss and I hurry away as he is compulsively kissing or lingering too long. I am lucky to have a man that is not afraid to show love for his wife and kids, who is happy to just cuddle up close in bed, who gives me hugs when I need them most, and who has an endless supply of all the love I could ever want. So what if I have to remind him that making out in church isn't a good idea?