Slowly, I think you are developing a great ear for the MARTIAN lingo. Take your time about the house rental. You can validate how much fun you had on the search and how easily you can "see" the two of you enjoying the space together. Tell him there will be other houses and you are willing to do whatever he is comfortable doing.
You might, since it is a rental, float the suggestion thet you have a "Celebration" year in the house. See it as your "honeymoon" year...just to really reacquaint yourselves to new beginnings...would that be too pushy?...hmmm. it may be.
In any case, you know him well and if he really feels like living on his salsry is important...then do NOT push for this new home. You already have a sense that he has seen you as independent in ways that may have challenged his sense of manhood.
I would live in a shoebox with my h if he wanted that now.
