Affection is a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something, a tender attachment, or fondness. It is commonly linked to a feeling or type of love and can elicit diverse emotional reactions such as embarrassment, disgust, pleasure, and annoyance. The emotional and physical effect of affection also varies between the giver and the receiver. Affection can be directed towards living entities, including humans and animals, and is often compared with passion. However, some definitions of affection exclude feelings of anxiety or heightened excitement, elements typically linked to passion. Affection can be expressed in various ways, including non-sexual gestures, and is important in relationships.