My SO started out as the special occasions only type. By special occasion,that meant formal dances or dinners, h. games, weddings, and Xmas, and that's about it. It's taken several years and quite a few in-depth discusions but she now understands it's not a joke or strange affectation. Now she rarely makes a comment.

In my case the secret was persistance with patience ...... but with reasonable limits.

.