Well jabs arent good and storing it up isn't good either. If someone jabs at you in a joking manner generally they are serious about it and really it is more than a joke. That said even if you would have communicated more clearly with him when it was a stage 3 would he be any different? I am not a yeller nor a screamer but I do tend to hold things in as well and also sacrifice my own feelings for someone else.
I dont think you want someone to always agree with you but maybe be a little more diplomatic and open to hearing/understanding your way of doing things? Also maybe only offering advice or comments when solicited?
