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Private or public recognition
On the occasions you help others, or do positive things for them, do you like or expect public recognition or do you prefer private thanks or gratitude. Explain why in either case and give an example.
As an Introvert, who loves her privacy, I have many times turned down things that at the end of the day, will lead to public recognition, not because I don't love being recognized publicly but because I can not stand being in the spotlight.
I have found myself helping in starting up a foundation or project from the scratch, I do the encouragement, keep the flame burning when it seems like the fire is going to quench but at the point when it blossoms and gets to the verge of being recognized, I see myself in the back seat, away from the spotlight like I never existed.
All I do is be the backbone for that group or organization when they need it while those who just arrived get the recognition nobody even gets to the now I was part of those who started the whole project but what keeps me going is the private recognition I get from those who know I exist when I support them at the dying minute.
Many of my friends say it's because I am shy, maybe they are right, maybe not, but one thing I am quite sure of is I love my privacy, and perhaps because I am trying to be careful just like the scripture says, so I don't end up letting the recognition get to me and make me want to do things for people because I want to be recognized or than because I want to show kindness to people around me or help someone.
As much as I love to see people recognized publicly and would do the same if one deserves the recognition, I would always prefer private recognition.
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I know it sounds weird but I do feel most times when people are trying to recognize a person publicly, it puts the other person on a spot to please not just the person they are recognizing publicly but also the audience but when it involves a private recognition, the person gets to be his or herself and express genuinely his or her gratitude to you without trying to please you with words but just out of the abundance of his or her heart.
I know public recognition can most times be genuine same as private recognition but public recognition puts one on a spot to please the audience and the person involved.
I mean, most times, I wish I could get the balls to come out to the spotlight but I feel satisfied doing what I got to do and getting the private recognition genuinely than being praised publicly because courtesy demands so not because they wish to do it.
I love my things privately and being able to help people and seeing that the person appreciates it is enough satisfaction for me, I don't need no public recognition because it can make me throw up except if it has to do with academic recognition or personal achievement then maybe I can adjust to the spotlight but when it comes to being recognized because I lent a helping hand to someone, then I prefer it privately.
It becomes a conversation between the two of us where I can read through your words and actions if you truly appreciate my need, or will take my deed for granted.
So, I would always choose private recognition over public recognition even though I most times wish I have the balls to withstand the public recognition.
