In general, I think there is some truth to that. I mean, at some point, you get to a point of diminishing returns. Enough rejection, and you quit trying. But, you aren't rejecting, so that's not really an issue. So, yes, part of what you are up to is getting him to "miss" your presence. And to do that, you have to leave him alone.
So, I get the feeling you are a "talker". You have trouble doing something without telling him you are going to do it.... like, "I'm going to ignore you know", for example. So, when you wonder what to do, and you have three choices that are all "offer" this or that, there is the choice of not offering anything. Even thought the "offers" all seem different to you, they sound the same to him. You are trying to take control of the situation (from his point of view). So, see how you can do that differently, "just do it", don't tell, offer, or any of that stuff.
