Tough love

“Tough love” is affectionate concern expressed to someone else in a stern way, especially to encourage them to overcome a problem. “Tough love” doesn’t come across as warm and kind, but the recipient usually is at a point where they need strictness to get out of their bad situation. In the movie, Swankie gives Fern some “tough love” and helps her survive the hash moments on the road. Swankie is stern with Fern to help her overcome challenges on the road. The parents had to give their son some “tough love” to help him quit drinking.