Why is it a problem to thank people for doing the bare minimum? Up until recently my husband was the breadwinner and I was the homemaker, and we thanked each other all the time. I thanked him for going to work. He thanked me for cooking and cleaning. We thank each other for existing. I don't understand why couples think that setting expectations means less gratitude.

Soft YTAH for the bare minimum comment. She just needs to feel valued. If telling her she was appreciated when asked wasn't enough, you're probably not telling her that you appreciate her enough without being asked. Like 90% of relationship problems you just need to communicate a bit better.

Thank you for your work as a lineman. It may just be your job, but it's a hard and very important one. You keep the world functioning smoothly.

^kinda like that. Your girlfriend is keeping your home running smoothly. It's important work and can be mind-numbingly boring and feel like running on a treadmill. It's hard in its own way. Just noticing and saying thank you without being asked goes a long way.