tenderness

(noun) a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling.

(noun) a pain that is felt (as when the area is touched). Synonyms: soreness, rawness. Examples: "The best results are generally obtained by inserting the needle into the point of maximum tenderness." "After taking a cold, rawness of the larynx and trachea come on."

(noun) warm compassionate feelings. Synonyms: tenderheartedness.

(noun) a positive feeling of liking. Synonyms: affection, affectionateness, fondness, heart, warmness, warmheartedness, philia. Examples: "He had trouble expressing the affection he felt." "The child won everyone's heart." "The warmness of his welcome made us feel right at home."

(noun) a feeling of concern for the welfare of someone (especially someone defenseless). Synonyms: softheartedness.