The way I see it there are three kinds of service. The service where you want to give and people need something, so it's a great "experience" regardless of how big or small the act itself. Everybody wins. You have some extra serotonin floating around and those you helped are better in some way in part because of something you did. That just feels good.
Then, there is the service where it's not something you want to do per se, but it's not a big deal and you are genuinely not bothered to help out. You go out of your way, but it really helps a friend- like helping someone paint a new apartment. Not your first choice of how to spend a Saturday, but you help out, bond with your friend who you never see enough because life is too busy, and the house looks great!
Lastly, there's thankless service. You know, thankless service is the stuff you do because you "want to" or that's what you "want" and you want others to think you would do. However, these acts are truly selfless in that you are just giving, and are the epitome of getting nothing positive in return. Not even a thanks.
Thankless service is sometimes the toughest kind and the grandest act - as it is truly selfless.
