i am trying for an alliance victory.only problem is the other guy is at war with my ally.so i get a peace treaty then i give him tribute to make him like me more.but whenever i do it again he says "ah. more presents. thank you." and gives the stuff back. whats up?
You can't raise the relationship more than two levels within three month.
You have to wait before you can make the next presents.
Allies make this process much more difficult because they might lure you in the war before you can raise relationships enough. Maybe you have to end the war (usually you can pay ap the mightier party to do so). Better not to make any allies unless in the last round in case you want to make an diplomacy win.