How to deal with passive reactive players on a STE build?

Currently using a STR / VIT build, and while I don't generally have a problem beating people, I do have a problem with the people who will stay just outside of my range with a straight sword or a curved sword and punish all of my attacks. I realized a lot of the problem is that I was being far too aggressive, but still, they would generally dodge all my attacks and retaliate during my recovery animations. Any tips or tricks would be awesome.

I guess I should be baiting out punishes to parry them, but still. Lmk :)