Short question: how do I inspire my husband’s confidence in his decisions and show that he doesn’t really need to ask me?

For example: we are putting a new bathtub in. This involves purchasing the new tub & surround as well as hiring the contractor. He wanted me to be involved with picking out both. But here’s the thing - he doesn’t really want my opinion.

But - he asks for it. If I say, “whatever you think!” He says, “no I really want to know!” Then I say, “oh I like this one then!” He says, “well I’m not sure about that material”. He then goes and picks the material HE thinks is best and says he thinks we should do that one. To which I then say again, “whatever you think! I trust your judgement since you know more about this.” Then he will waver and feel bad because we aren’t picking mine. Then I have to reassure him that we should choose the best option for the family and he knows which one is better.

This was the same conversation about the contractor. And choosing the flooring and lots of other decisions about the house and the cars.

My theory is that he wants to be the one in charge of these areas, but it’s a different dynamic than we’ve had (although I’ve been saying this for several years). I believe he doesn’t want to just be seen as controlling.

I’m hoping to perhaps inspire confidence in his decision making. I’m more than willing to provide reassurance for whatever his decisions are. Just the game that we play around it draws it out lol.

Any suggestions?