When I read what happened, I could imagine myself in the same circumstance.
What I would have done (and have done already with stbx) is to say what you did.
On this occasion, I would also have said - "Apart from anything else, I don't want to be caught looking like this - give me and my self-esteem a break!"
That is, I would have tried to be open and also a bit jokey and self-deprecating about it.
In other words, it's your issue too and you recognise that.
But IDK if I'm much chop in the advice department - I'm about to get D-ed after all!
