How can I encourage my boyfriend to be more affectionate?

Ummm.. if he really loves ya then it should be automatic.. shouldnt be something u have to ask for.. then it wouldnt be special anymore. But if he's not the type that is passionate.. then it's gonna take some times.. in which case... all the best to ya! ;)

HAHAAHA... well... whatever you do, don't push him. This reminds me of a story that I find amusing:

A friend of mine got engaged to a woman (he just let himself get talked into it) and she was all over him all the time. He wasn't the "touchy feely" type and just wasn't comfortable with that much body contact. Well, one day they were both in the swimming pool and she was all overhim. He got annoyed and just blurted out something like: "Why do you have to be so close to me all the time?"...

well, that was obviously not a good thing to say to his fiance and they broke off the engagement soon because he realized this wasn't the right person and he was fooling himself.

I think this kind of thing takes quite a bit of time for guys. For me it was easy because I grew up with 4 sister and we were always very affectionate in the family, but guys who are the only child or they only have brothers, they might have a hard time with physical contact. You need to let him know that affection is one of your needs.

There is a book that would probably help him a lot, but seeing that he isn't the affectionate type, he might not be interested in it. Also it's mainly meant for people with marriage in mind. The book is called His needs, Her needs.

http://www.amazon.com/His-Needs-Her-Building-Affai...

You could quiz him and ask him if he loves you. If he says yes, then say, ok then if you love me, can you tell me what are my 5 (or 3 or 2) most important needs? Don't give him the answer right away. let him research it and find out for himself. Then you can talk about what your needs are and what his needs are. (I guarantee you most guys will say sex is their #1 need)

Don't fulfill that need until he marries you.

He can't read your mind. You need to talk to him and tell him what you want. Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Hug and kiss him when the spirit moves you and see how he reacts. Of course, he may just be one of those people who are reserved about being openly affectionate, especially in public.

communication is the key. Talk to him, let him now you want "hugs & kisses" let him know you want to feel loved, cause it seems to me that you are wanting more than he can give. who knows maybe after you talk to him you'll get more "hugs & kisses" than you can handle i wish you the best of luck

tell him that you feel that he is not showing affection and that you feel unwanted and ask him if he could kiss and hug you more.

Ask him. Say "Boyfriend" (ENTER NAME HERE) I am feeling like you are lacking in the affection department...Can we BUMP if up to the next level? :P LOL

tell him to cut the macho sh*t out and tough guy attitude and express how he feels. He's got too much pride with his manhood.

ask.