Thanks for bringing this up. I have the same problem, and it takes me some thought to be properly aware of it. People have been telling me for years that I need to work on being assertive. For me, it leads to the urge to be passive-aggressive, but I am often able to dismiss that (not always).

I'm never sure if it's blanket approval seeking, a fear of being judged negatively, or fear of accidentally becoming a jerk if I DO try to act assertively. Erecura, I am surprised to hear you never compliment anyone - I tend to be effusive with my praise of others, and attempt to understand their behavior, but rarely if ever do that for myself.