I live without it. Always have.
It's not as if it's like air, water, food or shelter.
The occasional pleasant comment, sincerely made, does feels very good, but I think it might be a bit like sugar - too much is addictive and unhealthy.
I'm suspicious of anyone who is too free with their compliments, especially if it's someone who doesn't know me well. Flattery always has an ulterior motive.
My husband and friends rarely make any direct comments to or about me - that I'm aware of.
My husband is willing to point out my mistakes if I haven't noticed them, and I him. We both feel this is necessary - a stitch in time to repair errors before they evolve into inconvenience or harm.
