Big hugs to you! We didn't have the fights, but we didn't have the horrible amount of stress you are going through. If you both can find a way to refocus the stress (gym, walks, screaming at a wall, whatever works for you), before talking to each other, it might make it easier to talk without the stress getting in the way. I know that is easier said than done, but as kbee said, it is the one you care for most (and feel most comfortable venting to, and not having to pretend everything is okay when you are talking to) that ends up being the recipient of your stress attacks.