I could relate to this entire post. I was such a loser that I would personalize my H's defensive, jerky responses. I have been stretching myself to take care of some of the more feminine chores of the household. I bought a crockpot and decided to cook my first meal in it today since H is off from work and I knew he's be interested. I thought it would be a fun together project, and I erroneously believed he would support me in this endeavor, esp since I am insecure in cooking ( ridiculous because I was a capable chemistry student in college). Anyway, what could have been a nice bonding experience turned into a jerky critique...and hear's the thing, I didn't get sad, didn't get angry, didn't feel sorry for myself ( okay just a bit), didn't feel sorry for him...what I did in that space was make a joke about it all! So, in answer to your question, I would say fill the space with humor...it's really the healthiest defense!
