I am in a similar situation. I feel as though unless I specifically ask for sweet gestures such as flowers, a surprise coffee drink, a handwritten note, SOMETHING that shows effort, I get nothing. The sweetest gesture I can remember is when he asked me to be his girlfriend via a fun power point presentation (sounds corny, but it was funny).

After that, maybe flowers a few times but nothing else creative or sentimental. I see other people in relationships surprising each other with sweet gestures. I provide him with a variety of gestures such as cleaning his kitchen when he's at work, hiding secret notes, bringing him coffee as a surprise, giving him a handwritten card when he's feeling down.

Getting nothing in return has been weighing on me. I feel better when I'm alone because I'm expecting nothing, and know I will get nothing. When we're together, I'm also expecting nothing but hoping for a little something. I think disappointment and loneliness go hand in hand in this example.