2qwerty, my thoughts exactly! Can you imagine how Hashem feels that WE his people take all the things he has given us for granted? Can you imagine if people do not have hakaras hatov for people who are doing nice things for them which are palpable and recognizable on the instant that it is done, kal v’chomer how can they possibly show the proper hakoras hatov to Hashem who gives them everything, life and breath itself?
Hummingbird, doing mitzvos and helping others in and of itself should make you feel good. That is what WE are supposed to do. Just knowing that you are doing the right thing should make you feel good. If you are thanked and appreciated that is the cherry on top. Seriously, don’t ruin the good feelings about doing the right thing be clouded by a receiver who forgot their part of the equation. After all when we do a good deed, or we help others we are not doing it for recognition, we do so because we are ovdei Hashem and we are here to please HIM and do his bidding. Know that every time you do a good deed Hashem says thank you and he bentches you for your kindness and generosity. If you can accept that then you won’t need thanks from anyone else. It still would be nice, but if it doesn’t come you won’t be so upset.