I work with addicts & before that, I worked with mentally-challenged individuals. I'm a classic case of a codependent who always puts other people's needs before mine. I've been working on my codependent issues in the last couple of years. I still have a long way to go but I've come a long way in the last couple of years. Anyway, a lot of my co-workers are in recovery from addiction so I've gotten a lot of feedback from them & they've gotten me through some difficult times.
A couple of weeks ago, a co-worker told me that she always made sure to praise her loved-ones because it was something she never got as a child. It almost brought me to tears at work because it's something I always do as well. The problem is that it's not always reciprocal. I know I can't rely on somebody to validate me but it's nice to hear words of encouragement from time to time.
A week later, another co-worker asked me if I was still with the person who treated me badly. I told her I wasn't & she told how happy she was for me. She then added that "you deserve better." Again, I almost cried at work. I know this is true, but I don't always believe it. It was just nice to hear.
I guess my point is that it's good to surround yourself with good people, especially those who have gone through difficult times. I have a habit of getting involved with people who treat me badly that it hits me hard when people are actually nice to me. I hope to find this in a partner someday but I know that I have to work on myself first before that happens.