Loving Is Not Liking

I'm re-reading a novel of ancient Rome. In the opening scenes, the daughter of a family is married off to an older nobleman to ensure the financial viability of the family. The daughter is totally understanding, actually likes the older man and is ahead of her parents in the understanding of what needs to be done. The father of the family says,

"Isn't wonderful when you find that you truly like your children? Loving is expected but liking has to be earned."

I like my children.