I think humility, as evidenced by gratitude, is the clear signal that men wish to respond to, and some men confuse a humble heart with outward trappings or behaviors.

Men (and women, if they're maternal) like to interpret humility into women who don't have any, and vice-versa. Then they are astounded to be met with disdain, in the one case, and gratitude, in the other. I find myself frequently in the same position; absolutely gobsmacked.

It often works the opposite way we expect because women who seem "weak and sweet" receive so much gallantry, that it has no value to them. It is not scarce.