Hi kaliope, thank you for your reply. You are exactly right - I know he does care but he doesn't seem to be able to stop himself becoming irritated. I have mentioned it to him but he just carries on complaining. I am afraid if I make a big thing of it it will just lead to an argument, which always makes me cry, then he gets crosser because he thinks I'm doing it on purpose (I'm not!). It's really hard. I'm so glad there are people here to talk to. Thanks for your offer to pm you, that is really kind, and I probably will.