So basically the title, my family is not emotionally open and often cold toward me showing love to them. They never answer to I love yous. I am really into showing love to people I love. I know they love me but they don’t show it. I feel always rejected when I show a little love and getting nothing back though I know I shouldn’t expect anything back and plus I understand they are emotion-shy so not take it to heart. But in some way it disturbs my Buddhist learning because I don’t know if I could handle people not showing compassion if I show them compassion. What’s your take on it?
May I ask if they don’t speak love do they do acts of love? Showing love through speaking is a very American way of expressing it. In China it is more common for my parents generation to do acts of love such as cooking, cleaning, and treating one to things rather than ever saying I love you. Maybe your family shows their love through actions?
On the other hand, Buddhists and those on the Bodhisattva path are called for a great compassion for all beings. This starts with yourself then your family spreading forever outwards. At its core this compassion is from seeking to develop bodhicitta. Being compassionate to others to help alleviate their suffering. One would never succeed if they expected some external confirmation of this.
This link may be helpful :)