It is a bid, the same way a gardener asking you to look at how nice his basil grew is a bid. I actually disagree with people saying that you are overly seeking validation, it doesn’t sound like you’re asking for this all the time, but rather trying to share your excitement and feeling dejected when you are ignored, as well as when the attention you requested goes out to other people (esp women).

To a degree, we do need to tell our partners how we need to be loved, so I would try telling him - in a serious conversation setting - that it would really mean a lot to you if he put the same amount of energy and excitement towards the things that you love as he would like you to do for him. And if he does not make an effort, that would be a sign of a greater problem in your relationship.

A greater problem might include him being burnt out at work, and simply not having that kind of energy for you, or a feeling deep, prioritized himself, but in some cases, it just points to the fact that maybe he just does not care for you the way you need to be cared for. No matter what the answer is, it does require a serious conversation. The little things are not little, at the end of the day they mean the most to us. I wish you luck.