My hubby is always quick with kind compliment. What endears me the most is how he always comments on when I am smiling and looking contented. It gives HIM the most contented expression to see me happy! And visa-versa!
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Janet... I just have to comment on 'your portion' of this thread.... I think it's all about compromise and that it's very much a generational thing as to what someone will 'put up' with.
I can see what my Grandmother found tolerable (married until death do us part)... then my mother (50+ years married)... then myself .... and now my newlywed nieces... it's such a wide spectrum! Expectations have changed so much in the favor of women. There is still a long way to go (after all, we only make 75 cents to their dollar!) but I think that women today have more options and expect more!
Also, after being married and really knowing someone for many years it isn't just about compromise, but knowing how to work around things to make them work in your favor. And as women we are very adept at manipulation.
So you don't tell him something to avoid an argument.... or you stash a little cash... or make him believe something is his idea... whatever it takes to get things done the way you want them done. Most women figure it out, and if they're smart they'll accept it and even make a game out of it! We are SO not the weaker sex!!!!!
We're wired differently, and thankfully women usually get it! As long as we have each other to work with and to vent to we can move mountains!
(All that said... you still deserve to meet the 'Big O' one day!!!) ***evil grin here!***