Why is it that "appreciate" is nearly always used in the passive mood? It's incredibly annoying that no one can actively appreciate another's actions. I don't suppose we could do anything about it, but couldn't someone wage a campaign or create a foundation? Foundation for Active Apreciation. Who knows?
I would have thought that it was more commonly active than passive. Yes, a gift is appreciated OR he/she/it appreciates the gift. It is totally up to your normal way of saying / writing a phrase and IMHO does not reflect on the word
Why is it that "appreciate" is nearly always used in the passive mood? It's incredibly annoying that no one can actively appreciate another's actions.
I think you need to provide an example, as I'm not sure of the context you're referring to. It might be that you're just reading past-tense stories, as opposed to first-person, present-tense tales.
I tend to write in past tense, 3rd person omni, and I'll write "He appreciated her actions, thanking and encouraging her."