How to proceed?

[SolidMechanic]

Here is something timely from Newsweek's Tip Sheet. It is #10 on a list of New Year's resolutions:

Pucker up. Once people are in long-term relationships, it’s 'as if they forget how to make out,' says sex and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman of Chicago’s Berman Center. 'Couples come into my office and say their relationship is failing, and I ask them, ‘When is the last time you kissed, really kissed?’ People will say, ‘Well, we don’t kiss, except when we used to have sex’.' Her Rx: smooch every day-and hold the kiss for at least 15 seconds.

For what it's worth, my wife is of the perfunctory-two-times-per-day-quick-peck-on-the-lips school. If someone does not want to be kissed longer or deeper, there is really nothing you can do. However, you can try kissing her more often. Add a kiss when you come home from work. Kiss her when she is talking to you and she knows that she has your attention (and watch her reaction: "What the h#!! was that for?" Pretty funny). Right after you get the perfunctory goodnight/bye kiss, go for a double dip.

You might want ramp this up gradually. If you do it all at once, she might think you got a loose screw. It won't hurt her feel love the way you experience love, even if it is not what ultimately opens her up. It will allow you to open up to her, which is just as important.

SM