Hey there! Reading along your sitch and noticed something...wanted to point it out...it seems that sometimes when he is trying to be close and spend time with you, you push him away. For example, you spoke of being in kitchen cooking and him coming into the kitchen to hang out and talk with you. But then, you suggested he go chill out in the living room, I think... Hmmmmm...... Could you just let him casually spend time with you? Try to enjoy the fact that he likes coming into the kitchen when you are cooking? Often times, it is easier for men to talk when they are in the process of doing something...or when they are with someone who is doing something...ie. you cooking.
Could you try too to go out when he is working on a car and just hang out with him? Turn on a radio, sit outside or in the garage with him, read a book but sit close by to him while he works...bring him a soft drink and snack and suggest he take a five minute break....and just let conversation between you happen?
