Dev; I think it's a positive sign that she gave you a nice BD card and asked for a hug. Good that you obliged. Little acts of kindness like that can precipitate more, as long as they are all positive experiences for her. I hope when you hugged her you held on to her in the most loving way you could.
When I was in the state you were in a few months ago I started working on developing my heart chakra - there are exercises on youtube. Trying to keep the energy flowing - but to have to watch you don't get out of balance. I had to go and get my chakras balanced afterward by a reiki master. I mentioned it to my W at the time and within 2 weeks she asked me to book her an appt with the same reiki master. Not sure if you think this stuff is wacko, but I do believe in the Human Energy Field and how it can affect relationships.
Whatever you're doing though, keep it up. I think any micro improvement is better that deterioration.
M: 59 W: 53 M: 9 yrs T: 14 yrs No kids together but D30(hers), S27, S24, D21(all 3 mine) W moved out 11/18/2013 D-Day 12/14/2013 W moved back home 12/1/2014