People have different ways they perceive someone cares for them. For example, a lot of guys might think that working hard all day, then coming home and fixing the house and car working on the yard is the right way to show their family they care for them - while at the same time, your wife might not care about any of that and just wishes you'd give her compliments, spend quality time with her, or something like that.

You need to find out what it is that makes her feel appreciated and do that. Don't assume you know because that's how your father did it, that's what your mom liked.