read an article the other day, I forget where, that said something like "men don't really hear talking, action is their language and that's why when the unhappy wife finally comes out and wants a divorce, men finally realize the scope of the issues".
So true! And now you have to apply that to her. She will not hear talking, only action.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!