Thanks, LM. We do indeed have a wonderful relationship, and we love each other deeply. This problem is a small thing. I don't know about just tolerating it, though. That is what I've been doing for years, but it's really getting in the way since we started swinging. Things bother me that otherwise wouldn't, and I find myself feeling emotionally drawn to men who compliment me, in ways that I'm not sure are appropriate. Please understand, it's not that I would consider leaving or cheating on my husband, but I'd rather not feel emotionally drawn to play partners in this way, and we both feel sure this issue is at the root of it.
Since my original post, he has begun trying a new strategy of calling me pet names that signify certain compliments. He's comfortable with pet names, so he's using that as a way to work into giving me compliments. I know what each pet name means, so I'm enjoying his efforts, and it seems to be working for him. Hopefully once this is more of a habit, we can take things up another level.
I'm still open to any ideas you guys might have.
Crosswords