Everyone wants to be appreciated—to be recognized and valued for what he is and for what he does. But at times appreciation appears to be lacking. Someone does a kind deed but does not receive a thank-you. Another performs some worthy service, but no one pays any attention to what he has done. An employee in a large business concern works long hours to get out an important report and then finds that it is accepted without comment. A housewife and mother sees little evidence that the members of her family notice the many sacrifices she makes for them.
Perhaps the individual in such cases tells himself that it doesn't really matter, that he isn't seeking the praise of men, and that he certainly doesn't want flattery. But underneath is still a feeling that just a little appreciation would give him a boost and help him to carry on without being discouraged.
If we are concerned about a lack of appreciation, it may be well to ask ourselves some questions: What kind of appreciation or recognition do we want? From whom do we want it? Why do we want it? To answer these questions, a better understanding of what true appreciation is and what it is not may be helpful.
