You cannot negotiate desire or motivation. That has to come from the
individual. If there is something you would like to do, initiate it into your relationship. As for "making you feel special," that depends on how in sync
he is with you, and how close he actually wants to get. You can't "negotiate"
that either.

you call his ex a child. that is too ironic. firstly you have no right to say that since you don't know how they were like behind closed doors. secondy you are the one pleading for attention 'like a child'

It's his ex's fault? If you know he loves you then what is your gripe? He is not a planner. You can make a plan. Either love someone as they are or move on and let the next woman say "oh his ex was so demanding that..." blah blah blah.

I have a girlfriend who I know loves me to pieces but her selfish demand to "fricken'ell make her feel special" is killing me. The craziest thing about it she wants to do something special on the weekend, but insists that I make the plans. When I don't (cuz it's her idea and I'm more of a spontaneous sort of guy) she flips out, screaming to the world that I'm selfish! WTF. She knows I love her, but chooses to create this drama rather than just make the plans herself so we can get out and do this thing she wants to do.

if you cant just know how he feels about you without him being obligated to just take you out at random or make weekend plans then maybe he isnt the kind of guy you're looking for. Try a sugar daddy. Also, If going on a trip means so much then why dont you bring it up? Why is it up to him to read your mind and do this? I get that you've asked him to but maybe now he feels he has expectations to fulfill and there's nothing romantic about that. Why dont you take him out somewhere? This isnt the stone ages hunny, it's as much his "obligation" as it is yours.