I am not suggesting that HD try to convince his wife of anything, but that he show her by physical action that he will jump right into that pit and stand toe to toe with her. If he does this, she WILL learn that he can back up his talk, argument or no argument.
My guess is that HD can state his wants till the cows come home and it won’t make one bit of difference. We will wait and see what happens. After a few months have passed and nothing has changed except the endless statement of wants, what do you propose HD do then? Convince himself in someway that he should really be happy with what is?