I'm definitely guilty of being conditionally kind. I sometimes feel contempt for those who don't reciprocate my "thoughtful" actions with a basic 'thank you'. I find myself wondering - 'How hard is it for one to say two simple words of gratitude?'

I put quotations around "thoughtful" because when I analyzed my motives, I realized my "selfless" and "courteous" actions were ultimately selfish ones, since I did them primarily for the sake of receiving the beneficiary's verbal approval.

I like that you've decided to switch the aim of your actions in order to find peace - rather than "I engage in acts of kindness to receive acknowledgement and gratitude", it becomes "I engage in acts of kindness regardless of rewards because that is what I believe is right".

I like your style of writing - it's brief yet insightful. Thanks for sharing, and I'll be looking forward to reading more of your reflections!