Why ignore it. Just explain its not necessary. Sometimes people aren't even aware of the habits they form.

Oh dear, this thread has become a little too serious for me. Started as a joke between me and the wife but has prompted comments that weren't expected.

I think I really am stupid.

I am so glad you clarified that! I took your OP as being humorous, then saw some of the replies which confused me - I was going to ask the question but didn't want to look stupid!

No, you're not stupid I only weighed in to respond to a specific comment, not in a bolshie or lecturing way, but just because it's impossible for me to pass up the opportunity to dispel some of the myths around abuse between partners.

Keep up the good work, BE needs 'light hearted'

She's aware of it alright. She has mood swings and she takes it out on me when she's got a strop-on. I find the simplest thing to do is nothing.

Not sure if I'm damping the fire or fanning it.

I'm the opposite. I never to to either end of the nice/nasty spectrum.

Hmm, difficult one. You could ask that (when not in a mood swing). Better than guessing. Maybe it's nothing.

That's really problematic. One is conditioned not to hit women, it's just not what we do. As well, in Canada, doing so is going to result in a criminal prosecution regardless of the circumstances. If the woman is a reasonably adept fighter, it's very difficult to dodge and weave so as to avoid any contact. There are only so many times people at work will believe you banged your head on the tractor bucket.

The response

dave - I thought you were serious oops

I have memories (& a scar), from over 30 years ago, of "terrible Tuesday" followed by "worse Wednesday" (her terms) that came round every 4 weeks!