There is something to be said about partners picking fights before holidays and vacations and before visiting families. I’ve read something about it. Some of it is subconscious and some deliberate. Like picking a fight before Thanksgiving could be done so he’d not have to attend family gathering. Same like faking sickness before some events so you don’t have to go places.

If he picks up fights before visiting your family, it’s possibly because he doesn’t want to go.

Does he pick fights with you before going to see his friends? Or going somewhere by himself? Likely not.