The important part of is to begin asking him to do the little things he already does and not to take him for granted. Then when he does those things give him a lot of appreciation. When a man hears a demanding tone, no matter how nicely a woman phrases her request, all he hears is that he in not giving enough. This makes him feel unloved and unappreciated. His tendency is then to give less until the woman appreciate what he is already giving.
Men take what people say literally.
Therefore, classifying him as being weak or untrusting. Men are much more willing to say yes if they have the freedom to say no. When a man grumbles at a request he is in the process of saying yes to the woman s request. He is trying to consider your request versus his needs. As long as a woman pauses and remains silent after her request, she has the possibility of getting his support.