[Adeshile]

When you say external, who are you reffering to? If its your family, like your spouse, you may need to reevaluate your expectations. Like what were you expecting when you got married vs what you are getting now?

For some wives, they are not very expressive with their appreciation, but it does not mean they are not appreciative.

When I was in Law School, our Pastor/lecturer told us a story of how they were expecting Pastor E.A Adeboye for the 1st time in the parish at the time and he was the pastor in charge. According to him, he pulled all the stops he could to ensure that the visit would be memorable, particularly because it was the only parish serving law school Abuja. The day came and my pastor was hoping that Pastor Adeboye after hearing all that he had been doing by way of service in that parish, would pray specially for him by asking him to kneel down and all. However, to his amazement, all the man said, was, God bless you, he said he took him some time to say Amen. Point is, if we have mismatched expectation, it can seem like validation is wonky. I think like someone already said, our sense of value as men must first be in internal.

Secondly, I also think you must answer the question of why, why are you doing what you are doing? If nobody says thank you, will you still do it? if you define your why properly, it can also help if there a lack of percieved value.

Lastly, seek to have a heart of service unto God only because men are always double mouthed. Today they praise and tomorrow they reject. It matters that whatever it is you are doing pleases God first. Also, do not dwell on people’s praises for long. Accept it and move on. I hope I helped small?