That is a very astute observation Iris. One of the best I've seen. I've often used a similar illustration using the word, "control". Every human being without exception desires control over every aspect of their world. Some use physical strength to gain control. Some use weakness, and some even use illness to keep control of others around them. I've seen cases of women who control their entire family by being "critically" ill all of their lives, until they die at the age of 95. And of course, as you say, they desire love without ever realizing that love is from God.
To paraphrase a very stupid old song, "Growing up is very hard to do."