Sounds immature and childish, playing a sick game; did you know that tickling can be abusive...it can be a form of torture (depending on how long it goes on.) If knows something bothers you and keeps on doing it,he doesn't care about your feelings. This is a sadistic game. "exhausting, frustration, confusing....that doesn't sound "benign." He needs to get therapy to stop what he is doing that is abusive and destroying your marriage....not couples counseling.