I have a 3 year old daughter that 85% of the time would rather have attention from someone other than me, her own mother. Sometimes she cuddles to me, but not often. I know she is cuddly with family members due to not seeing them a lot, but she even hugs on my girlfriend (who she see's frequently)and daddy more than me. I don't know if it is because I was a stay at home mom for the 1st year and a half which made me primary disciplinarian. She is very independent naturally, and she has never been a clingy baby. Still she lets Daddy love on her and cuddles up to others. I always try to do things with her, like coloring, reading stories, playing with toys and going swimming. I always praise her, tell her she is good and smart. Dad has been putting a lot more effort into discipline, but she recouperates from his much faster than mine. She won't talk to me for a couple of hours, even when I try to "hug and make up", whereas she'll hug her dad and stop crying in minutes. I've even tried to give him almost all the discipline responsibility so I could be "the good guy". I know she doesn't fear me, she just isn't interested in me most of the time. I've always tried to give her affection, and she has never wanted to sit in my lap and be held by me. Tears...
I just get so sad, like she would be fine without me, like she doesn't need me. Its very painful to watch other mothers with their children and how they are so affectionate. Will this ever change, is there something I'm doing wrong?

Keep loving her. Hugg and kiss her all the time let her know you love her. That's all you can do.