Keep some affection free from the expectation that it must lead somewhere else.

Affection that is always heading somewhere gradually stops being affection. If every kind gesture is a step toward being forgiven, toward getting agreement, or toward keeping the peace, the other person eventually feels the shape of it even if they never name it. Some warmth needs to be pointless in the best sense, with nothing waiting at the other end.

Give one thing this week with nothing attached and nothing mentioned afterward. A message, a small favor, a word of praise that is not preparing the ground for anything. Notice if it feels strangely difficult, and let that be interesting rather than alarming.