Who gives a kudo

Do you ever have one of those moments when you realize that you are actually working harder or just plain ol' trying simply to have someone tell you that you've done well? Why do we do that? Most people say we are dependent, even fewer people are completely independent yet we still see sooo many people striving so hard for those material items or status. I admit when I was in high school I was on this big kick about being independent and non-materialistic. A simplest. Believe it or not, I would describe myself as a simplest. Ha. It's interesting to see ourselves change over the years. I think I've gone from being a very critical judge of all things around me to completely letting all go and seeing that life will rotate as it needs to and when it needs to. Buddhism and meditation helped with that post high school transition.
Finally I'd say I can describe myself as dependent in a more natural way. Chalk it up to maturity. I couldn't say for sure, but I simply know there are things I need to sleep well. I need to at least hear that I've done well, I need her that I am safe, Food and drink, and most of all I need my Dama.
It's funny because she is always asking me if I think about her or whether or not I miss her. The truth is, I am my father's son. Although I think it's hard for most men to show feelings I simply forget that I am selfish in the sense that I rest easy knowing that I am safe and loved. I've always thought of myself emotional and wanting to open up about my feelings. I guess I don't think often enough to express that I love her the best I know how and that there really wouldn't be another day for me without my Dama. Maybe that's why she vies so dramatically for my love.
All I know is that today I sat down stressing about work and I realized that I've been trying entirely too hard to get approval from everyone. Mostly my boss, but It seems there's apart of me that wants to see that people around me are dependent on me. To be needed. What's that about? Maybe I'm not as peripatetic after all.