There are two sides to the coin here. Firstly, what are you focusing on at any given moment? Ego or self-respect? Secondly, how is the other person taking it? Is he or she able to understand your situation and learn to let go of situations where they clearly see your ego taking over but choose to respect and love you regardless, knowing that it is part of your nature?
My reply within the moment will be my self-respect but it's upon reflection that I'm wondering if it was my ego talking instead.
As for him, he's constantly been patient. Am not sure if he has ever taken it to heart as he has never stated it. I've even outright asked it but he has always denied it. And regardless of how mad I've gotten at him or how many fights I've started, he's always been welcoming. He hasn't ever held me accountable for them, choosing to put them in the past. He holds the same mentality as HS in the sense that who knows why someone is mad? Kissi aur ka ghussa kissi aur par dal diya.