N I think I have a W like that, wants attention from me, is interested in the TV program, and she gets a lot of satisfaction out of petting the dog while all of this is going on. When I did this IRL, I couldn't see how BB could be so much like a sponge. The more I rubbed her back and feet, the more she wanted it. Then to have her pet the dogs and tell them how much she loved them and not tell me or show something in return except to say "that was nice, (the back rub) I am going to sleep" was beyond belief. I did this for several weeks off and on for a couple of years and and sometimes 3 nights in a row. I couldn't believe she was so in another world.
I think some people are like that, especially if they never had to work hard for much of the things they have and see other people as not working hard but just lucky. My W wants to be one of the "lucky ones" too.
As I post this I really want to do things for BB so I get some of the things I want. I know it doesn't work so stay away on purpose and work on customer's jobs. I am just letting you know it's difficult to do so don't get discouraged.
Like Cobra and others said, try not to let a lack of attention or appreciation from your W, define who you are. Just between you and me, we are both screw ups on some things, not perfect enough in other things, but over all fairly good. We try to improve a situation by adding to it but some of the contributions are not properly labeled or valued, so try something else or point out the discounting you feel is going on.
