I'm going to stick up for mothers because I think you are making an unfair assumption. There are many things that I do as a mother that makes me feel terrible. The only reason I do them is because my love for my daughters outweighs my fear. I have extreme social anxiety and would rather stay in my home where I feel safe and comfortable than go out and be with people. I know I'm not the only mother who does things out of love rather than doing them for some kind of personal reward. I have no need for people to think I'm wonderful because of anything I do for someone else. I also know many people who do good things anonymously. If you think about it, surely there has been someone who has been kind to you with no expectations of reward. I certainly hope so.
Aw, hey Mo
Please don't take offence to what I say. It's not intended as a jab, and I was not talking about all mothers, simply that I find many mothers fall in to this trap.
It sounds harsh, and cold, but it is merely an analysis. The reason I can say this, is because I've seen it with my own eyes, time and time again. From friends of the family, co-workers, even on TV. I have even worked in a job before, providing services to many elderly people, who were not receiving much, or any support from their families. About 80% of them were women, who had given their lives for their children's futures, and were left; lonely and alone in retirement. I've spent much time having long conversations with these women, and I feel for them, I truly do. That's why I try to encourage them to think for themselves for once, because many of them never do. They're always helping everyone else, and never themselves.