I didn't do it so much to get the thanks for noticing but more for the validation that it was the right thing to do. It's a subtle difference, but a difference. It's because I'm trying to find that balance of being loving, yet "tough". I do want to meet H's needs, but I don't want to do it and lose respect. In other words, I didn't get down or mad or upset that he didn't say thanks for noticing, but I did question as to if I should've said it - whether it came across as pursuing when I didn't want it to... that kind of thing.
The third party/scraps deal: YES, you're right: I'm looking for scraps and I shouldn't be. That is not what I am going to be satisfied with for myself, as a way of life. I have definitely come to realize that. I guess I have viewed it as such: if the scraps were to come, at least, I would see it as an appetizer to the steak meal being prepared for later. Or heck - at least in the budget for purchasing to be cooked for later! LOL.
As to what to do...what I would tell myself if I were outside looking in, I don't know. I really don't. That's my biggest struggle right now with all of this because I vascilate so much between thinking I need to have patience and saying, "the heck with this!" in my mind.
