I'm needing some advice here. Not much has changed with my situation - my wife and I continue to get along just fine except for the fact that nothing is improving in the romance department. Yesterday I asked her again to read SSM saying that it may or may not help, but that it seems like little to ask for her just to read a book. Her response was something like "fine, I'll read it!". I was a little put off by her negativity and tried to have a non-argumentative discussion, but as always she got mad - saying that I was attacking her - and eventually we were into a full-fledged argument. I'm sick of this cycle and absolutely must find some different approach or I'm going to go crazy!
Here are my questions. First, I seldom initiate anything blatantly romantic anymore, but I do occasionally try to cuddle up (barely) in bed or put a hand on her arm, shoulder, etc. when were sitting close, just trying to get the point across that I want to be close to her. Should I completely stop all forms of touching? Second, some days she'll give me a goodbye kiss (just an unromantic smooch like you'd give your grandmother) when she leaves for work. Should I start avoiding/refusing this as if I'm not interested? Third, through all of this we've continued to say "I love you" at the end of every phone call. Under normal circumstances I would prefer to keep doing this - I like telling her that I love her. But I don't feel like she loves me, and I'd much rather see it in her actions than hear her say it. Should I stop saying "I love you" on the phone"?
My thinking here is to do something that might make her notice daily that we lack closeness, possibly to the point that she'd miss it. Is there any merit to trying these things, or will it just screw up the only hint of romance that remains in my marriage? In short, will taking this approach make things worse? I'd appreciate any thoughts.
