You put in a heck of a lot of time and work, so sure I can see that you are so close. It doesn't happen over night as you can attest to. The compliment thing you may have to talk out. It can turn into a damned if you, damned if you don't sort of thing. I remember a former boyfriend would buy me flowers. At first it was nice because no one had done that before. Then because he gave them to me all the time, the stopped being special.
Maybe that is how your wife is taking it. Maybe too many compliments...? She just wants to feel special and loved like everyone else. Maybe showing her in different ways. I don't know just thinking out loud.
kat
Me-53(and learning!) S24, S21, D18, D17 Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming. Dory