I think that sometimes men struggle to find the right words to say especially when it comes to compliments and what you want to hear. I recommend the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman- highlighting the way that each individual expresses as well as receives love. There are different love languages like words, gifts, acts of service, physical touch and quality time. He may be trying to express love (for example) through acts of service but you want to receive love in words such as compliments, for example. I recommend reading the book with him or explaining it to him if you read it alone- it really does highlight many points that are so common in marriages and relationships.