Your wife sounds very patient, accepting, and understanding. I am generally the same way as you in that I love to make a woman, or anyone honestly, feel good about themselves. I've given men compliments before and women as well. But really what it is for me is the playfulness of flirting. The back and forth banter. I don't need to be attracted to a woman or like her to flirt. It's more like a fun, teasing game for me. Again, I agree. Not all tickling is sexual for me. Sometimes I am just genuinely curious about whether or not someone is ticklish and want to try it for fun. I tried doing the sit and talk with my fiancee, prior to any incidents, and she basically lost her marbles.
I love her to death and I would never do anything to hurt her again, but I won't lie I am slightly envious of some of you on here who's wives are so understanding and don't just jump off the deep end at first chance.
Also for those of you whose wives help you tickle others or do it intentionally I'm front of you. Sexy.
We have a simple rule; Don't do anything with another person (not your partner, of course) that you wouldn't do with them in front of your partner. Saves a lot of heartache.