Thank you very much for your reply.
I wouldn't say there's wisdom in my words -I wish there was- but rather think it's some (often enough condemned) experience. I am so much older than you (about 100 years, haha) and have lived quite some unease produced by people's comments about my work. In fact, as you mention, one does tend to expect too much, specially if you appreciate a person. Just try it the other way round. Imagine some artwork that doesn't make you feel anything at all, and then you get known to it's creator and he-she-it turns out to be a wonderful person. You may tell him what you think about the work, but you probably won't. Which option is the fairer one? As an artist you have to do your work mainly for yourself, this is more or less the only way to put your heart in it, which is then appreciated by the "right" people. Forget those that only hurt you. After all, this is more or less what you say: our artists' way is a rather lonely one.
This also explains that your uncertainties are somehow part of the way. Sooner or later you will find out when a piece is finished - I wish you the best for it to be soon. It also is certain that your way as an artist is one of never ending search. One can find one's way, but this is just one's personal manner to maintain the "quest".
Thanks for having a look at my work and I am glad if you liked at least a part of it. I have to admit that still it is important for me that there are people who like my work. Of course, for the sale, but for the feeling as well.
Take a lot of care!