Are you like me and one of those people who thrives on praise? (Yes, I know, the praise of men is folly.) Or, like some of the people in my house, could you care less about praise? One thing I've discovered is that it's as difficult for them to understand me as it is for me to understand them. Okay, now I've got my reminder out of the way: not everyone in the whole world has to have praise as often as possible as I do.
Now, for the permission. It's okay to enjoy kind words from others. (Enjoy? Yes. Depend on? No.)
Since our older cat, Magellan, passed, our younger cat, Maisie, has been even more affectionate. (Imagine wearing an incredibly soft, black fur coat inside out, against your skin.) She ADORES being petted, any time, any place, any where.
If cats are a part of your life (and maybe dogs, but I'm not real sure about them), you may have noticed they don't all like to be petted the same. Kind of like folks: we don't all like to be praised the same way.
ON THE HEAD: Stroke my smart brain, or do it in public and I'm all yours.
ON THE BACK: Tell me how strong I am, and maybe do it in front of a few folks.
ON THE BELLY: Acknowledge/encourage me in my most vulnerable spot, and please, please do it privately.
Do any of those should familiar? What works best for you? I may not be able to offer up any personal praise, but maybe this will put a little smile on your face.