I used to give the ex compliments all the time - still do actually because she is a fine lady. But my omission was the romantic gesture - I only thought of flowers when I was broke, hardly ever set up a picnic date or did whatever else it is that the romanitic people do. She mentioned that lack from time to time. I think it isn't so much that you aren't considered compliment worthy but that he only thinks of these things when it is too late or would seem forced or all the million other little roadblocks guys can put in the way. He definitely thinks you are attractive because you have stirred him deeply enough that he wants you as his life partner. Maybe if you got some silly fridge magnet or little washroom knick-knack that carried a message like - "have you told her she's beautiful lateley?" on it. If you set the stage and gave a little more direction to his random unvoiced thought patterns he may spontaneously say those little things from time to time. Worth a shot, maybe? It won't be asking for compliments, just letting him know that you are open to recieving them and agreeable to his voicing them. Besides, if you react in a very warm and positive way without going overboard (unless you do him an intimate service
) he will learn to open up a bit.