I am 58 and a widow of 10 years.  I currently co-habitate with my "boyfriend" of 9 years (he's been living with me for 2 years).  There is an 11 year age difference.   Coincidentally, the same age difference as my husband's ( who is deceased) and mine.  My question is, how would you advise I handle, what I consider a strong personality flaw in my boyfriend.  Anger.  Not threatening or physical, but sudden and abrupt.  Usually he gets over it pretty quickly.  I am even keeled and non-confrontational, but not afraid to stand up, or, defend myself, if necessary.  He just gets agitated over small, insignificant things.  I usually ignore these outbursts, but sometimes I just have to remind him to stop sweating the small stuff.  99% of the time, he apologizes, tells me I'm right and asks me not be mad at him.  He's harmless, but I find his outbursts a major downer.  It is a multiple occurrance, daily.  He doesn't realize how this affects my feelings of intimacy toward him, or at least, won't own his share of the responsibility.  Any thoughts?