I had a similar one about a week ago. W complained that I would always leave coffee puddled on the edge of the sink when I emptied the pot. I said "Yeah, that is a pain I didn't realize I was doing that. I will be more careful from now on." I got a playful "Surrre you will" answer and a smile. I didn't realize until you said that what had actually occurred in that interaction, but it did work.
Thanks!
M: 25 T:33 Me: 48 W: 49 S24, D21, D18, D15, S8 All living at home while going to school A confirmed: 12-25-17 EA Definite PA Probable