Quote: Anyway, I see now what set me off was hearing him "joke" about bothering him at nite; he was finding a way to express the pressure he's been feeling, and I took it in as being insensitive.
Is there anyway to let him know that this is still a very sensitive topic for you and that there is currently little room for jokey type words and actions?
When the two of you have established a more trusting/stable interaction here, then this won't be such a sore point.
Until then - Perhaps letting him know that you are aware of the pressure he is feeling, and that you want to be sensitive to it. But, you are also experiencing pressure and "growing pains" on this issue and at this time, straightforward, honest (yet kind) communication is preferred to any sort of "let's disguise this with humor" because you have tender spots that are easily bruised.
