I think we all have that human need for acceptance and approval. But it can turn bad quickly when it morphs into a craving for praise. As christians we should remember that we are "accepted in the Beloved". Anything else is extra.
As for dealing with others - that's a relational issue. Often we suspect them, but give ourselves the "benefit of the doubt", when it should be the other way around.
When I compliment I try to do it privately or in front of a few, concentrating on something they did well. On the other hand, our pastor likes to single someone out for fulsome praise from the pulpit. When I heard him do this with someone else I must admit I felt a little jealous and left out (I know that was wrong). Now that it's my turn I feel honored but a little embarrassed.
I'm shy about being mentioned from the platform, afraid that it will somehow stir up jealousy in others; almost like I'm thinking 'you're praising me now, so I won't get my reward in Heaven'...
