There does seem to be something different in the air. Nothing sexual, but a different attitude on her part. For years I complimented her frequently. She disdained the compliments. And never reciprocated. So I stopped complimenting her. Recently she complained that I never say anything nice anymore. So I have gone back to "sweet talking" her.

Lately she smiles when I say something nice. And sometimes she even says something nice back! The kids have noticed. D13 said something like "Dad is still the king of the sweet talkers, but Mom is definitely upping her game."

I always express appreciation when she says something complimentary. I am trying to accept it at face value and not give in to the resentful thought "yeah, but if you really felt that way, why aren't you jumping my bones?"

When you can see it coming, duck!