"I have a very hard time accepting that adopting a more assertive role will draw her back to me. It's just so truly counter to the typical dynamic or our R. "
It's basic human nature. When you first dated I'm sure you were much more assertive and not afraid of what she thought of you as much as now. That's attractive.
M-43 W-40 2D - 9 and 5
Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet a new life.