Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots.
--Nathaniel Hawthorne

Someone once said, "All our fears, no matter how deep, can be erased by a single loving stroke"...I don't know if an act of affection can solve "all" a persons fears, no matter how deep, but I do believe acts of affection towards each other can go a long way and can provide powerful momentary relief from our fears. So what is affection? Affection refers to closeness both on the physical and emotional levels. Affection includes nearness and more importantly a loving presence. We receive real affection when someone is committed to being beside us "often". This does not require "constant" cohabitation but reliable and habitual availability. Affection is the opposite of abandoning and distance.

Affection can be demonstrated verbally and physically. Compassionate words are example of showing affection. Touching, hugging, holding hands, and sex are all examples of affection when the motives are steeped in love for the other and not just ourselves. Affection also includes kindness, thoughtfulness, playfulness, romantic gestures, remembering important events and a genuine liking of the one we are with.

So, in the words of Sir John Lubbock

Do not be afraid of showing your affection.
Be warm and tender, thoughtful and affectionate.
For, love is more than money, and a kind word will give
more pleasure than a present.