Regarding the money issue, I tell her very often how much I appreciate her contribution, her budgeting, etc. But she says that the financial stuff is one of the big ways she "gives" to the relationship. I tell her, that although I appreciate it, that's not the kind of giving I want.
She hates watermelon, so I tell her, "It's like me going out and buying you the most beautiful watermelon. And, you accept it the first time gracefully, because you don't want to hurt my feelings. So I get you more, and more and more, until you have all the watermelons you could NEVER want. What you really want from me is some cantelope."
Of course, she turns this around, missing the whole point and says, "oh...so you hate the money I provide this family. Well fine, I'll keep it all..." Sigh.
