@Lizardly’s post is good evidence that people are who they are. A lot depends on one’s personality as much as one’s upbringing. The whole nature/nurture thing. You have an example of kids raised in the same environment and they respond very differently when it comes to doling out compliments. Yet, I’m sure they both love, respect, and appreciate their mother. It’s apparent she has a good handle on what makes her family members tick and manages her expectations based on that.
So, as much as one desires to have family members be generous in their compliments and as much as I think it is a good thing to make efforts to make your needs and wishes known to family members, pragmatic me also thinks that there is only so much changing adults can and will make.
This conversation reminds me of the 5 languages of love. We should express how we wish to be valued, and for many that includes a need to hear compliments, but we should also look at our loved ones’ styles of showing love and appreciation. Perhaps there are other ways they express that they value and appreciate you and your talents/strengths.
“I yam what I yam, and that’s all what I yam.” - Popeye the Sailor Man