Pick your fights carefully. Only you can make that decision. Maybe conceding the battle will win the war in the long run. Never underestimate the importance of a heart-felt apology, with or without flowers. If you were a real jerk, admit it.
Extraordinary things can happen.
Ban the bomb. The second your spouse walks in the door from work is not the best time to drop the bombshell about the check that bounced or the collectible that ended up in the dog's mouth. Save the bad news for later. Burn your draft card. Sometimes it's best to set aside your expectations that dinner will always be on the table at 6 o'clock sharp or that the leak under the kitchen sink will be fixed promptly.