I'd say that the angst and anger your fiance is feeling is likely due to the onerous laws Colorado just passed.
-Gun enthusiasts are as close to their hobby/cause as teeth to lips; it is a major part of who they are
-Gun owners are under assault in the form of blunt political action and libel that preys on the uninformed majority
Therefore, gun rights supporters feel we are in the midst of a somewhat existential crisis where our very way of life is under coordinated attack --and yet you said you are on the fence about it.
That's not to say you are wrong to speak your true feelings on the matter, or that his reaction is necessarily unwarranted. Mainly its a sign that he has been afraid to bring up what is obviously a deeply personal issue to see your opinion on the matter. I'd work that front when you choose to bring up the topic again. Gun-guys are typically shy to bring up the topic with lady-friends (especially if we have grown to accept "radical" views) since women (and the general public) are typically uninterested-to-revolted by the topic. It's easier to avoid it until an awkward argument arises
(that's thinkin' like a man!)
But keep in mind that this topic is extremely dear to him, and if you give him the impression you do not respect that importance, he will take it as a personal affront. Hopefully you can get him to realize you are not
unable to form an opinion, but only that you wish to learn more about the subject first; ask him to take you shooting, and keep abreast (as much as you care to) with events in the shooters' world.
It's possible, especially seeing as you are in Colorado, that he was offended that you seemed to have an ambivalent attitude to what is a grevious injustice in your state government. Sort of like how many hot-heads would have reacted on September 12th if you had said you were unsure of the terrorists intentions, and that you needed more time to determine if their cause was evil. Even if that assessment is accurate, it is still frustrating/infuriating to those who's minds are more than made up.
One difference of opinion does not mean that we are doomed
Yeah, there are far more important parts to any relationship than this one issue (
you, for example
). I think you'll be okay if you go into the topic with him again, since you now know how important it is. That's the main source of strife I've had whenever contentious topics come up; one side doesn't percieve the gravity of the discussion, and the other sees it as insult. Approach the topic knowing it will be a "heavy" discussion, and all should be well (unless of course he actually
is a jerk --I kid, I kid...
). Be clear from the get-go that you will not tolerate intimidation in the discussion (we often mistake that for being "persuasive" and need to be reminded).
Let us know how "Round 2" goes.
TCB
(Gunnies tend to be running faucets when we wax philosophical, so it may be easiest to tell him you support his cause, and never speak of it again
)