You poured out real wisdom here; most people don't praise because they think you will see them as inferior or you will get ahead of you. And that's not always to case, in this crooked world filled with crooked minds, it becomes difficult to show gratitude, even in little things.
But just like you said, the praise you give to someone today will most likely be the praise you will receive tomorrow because this world works like a chain network; whatever you give is what you will surely receive.

Fantastic writing 👏.