I never understood the Hallmark phenomena. Just recently one of my colleagues retired and at the retirement gathering to celebrate her last day, she received an amazing series of congratulating remarks regarding her achievements she made during her career. It was quite a contrast with how little we receive in response what we do throughout the years. I thought, gee, we shouldn't be working many years just to receive the last 15 minutes glory.

That is so true. People seem to find it hard to praise another person or do something nice unless there is a special card for the accasion.