What can I say to my boyfriend so we may resolve this horrible fight?

I’ve been seeing a man for about 2 months (He just turned 29 and I’m 21) and it’s been starting to get pretty serious. We see each other often and he’s told me recently he wants me to consider his apartment a second ‘home’. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t already have strong feelings for him and he’s expressed through words and actions that he feels the same. I love falling asleep in his arms and umm…yeah. Did I mention I really like him?

This next part may make him look bad but please keep in mind I’m upset with him right now…

Tonight we had a bitter argument which I regret to say was not our first one. He has a tendency to be hyper-critical and sometimes this turns into him severely brow beating me for minor infractions (not making the bed to his standards, forgetting to turn out the closet light etc.) He knows he has this tendency but just chalks it up to his personality and being a perfectionist. I’ve been trying hard to improve for him but sometimes I just feel like it’s never enough and I get very down on myself because of his criticism and feeling inadequate. :(

The argument tonight was because he was making digs at me about how he thinks i’m irresponsible. He said I didn’t have proper “life skills” whatever that means and blamed my parents for not raising me right as a child. I was hurt and angry that he said this and was quite fed up with him acting like this again so I said something insensitive back. When he said he’d never had a girlfriend so irresponsible I retorted with a comment about how it wasn’t very ‘responsible’ of his ex to cheat on him with his friend then.

I know what I said was wrong, but I was so furious and hurt by his criticism I didn’t think.. (Also not the first time he’s said insensitive things about me or my family who he hasn’t met) He became very angry with me and refused to speak to me except for some very bitter texts and now I don’t know what to do. I’ve offered him so many sincere apologies and attempts to make it right between us (despite thinking he was wrong to treat me disrespectfully in the first place) that I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m afraid he’s going to leave me but part of me thinks I should just leave him if he’s going to be so difficult to get along with properly.

I’m really torn up about this. I’m starting to really fall for his man and would be devastated that one fight can ruin everything between us. Have any of you ever been in a similar situation? If so how were you able to resolve it?

How do I get a very stubborn man to see the error of his ways and get his forgiveness? I’ve offered him a sincere apology, expressed that I care for him and want to make it right between us and acknowledged my wrongdoing in the situation. What else can a girl do? I’m doing the best I can… :(