It is not too much to ask for Denise. I believe that if we are used with healthy love patterns and attachment styles then asking for love and naturally receiving it should be a no brainer. There is something magical about old couples who still love each other. They do it so silently and they do not show off, there is power in that silent love. I like it so much and it always brings me a smile to witness that making me want to have this in my own life at old age. But I also think that self love is the catalyst for more love in one's life. So first of all we have to love ourselves.
Reading between the lines is indeed the biggest compliment. I have felt that the kind of people who have an innate and learned ability to do this are rare, they have a certain ethereal allure to them and they are usually very calm and exude happiness. Maybe after you can go though darkness and despair and heal maybe only after that you can sit with the darkness of others and see between the lines the things they can't even see for themselves.
Thanks so much for reading Denise, hugs!!