((hugs))

There's nothing wrong or petty with wanting or needing attention. Being cared about is not a substitute for being cared for. Being needed is not the same as having one's needs met. (Yea, verily, I am the voice of experience; I tried those substitutions for a long time.)

You have this wonderful drive to be selfless and giving of the last bit of yourself, but if nobody's putting gas in your tank, your car won't drive.