I think that chocolatelover brought up a good point and I think it might be worth exploring a little more. Obviously, if our significant other becomes upset by certain types of comments, then we should try to avoid them. But as chocolatelover said, it also is important that we also work on our own self-esteem and confidence. It seems to me that the line we walk in relationships is out of balance if we are so fragile that everything upsets us.

So how can be go about achieving balance between these two sides? I do feel that balance is important. After all, teasing and playing with your significant other can be fun. It would be a pretty boring without them. I believe the most important step is to actually talk to our partners about it. Expecting others to read our minds is never going to work out. Once you start talking about it, maybe you can try and set boundries that work for both of you.

I don't want to be too fast in jumping down your boyfriends throat. You did say that the conversation was in a "teasing" frame. Were it me, I would have been likely to interpret your comment as an invitation and as a signal that you were emotionally ready for some playful banter. In my eyes, if someone "sets me up" that must mean they want to play volleyball. Maybe that is why he said what he said. I would have been quite surprised if you reacted by being upset. I would have more expected a reply like, "Fine, but they'll need to make you look like Brad Pitt." To me, that would have followed the conversation's tone. Okay, i thought I would just share what I might be thinking were I him.