Outside the joke, this is actually one of the signs of a sociopath. This is mental and social manipulation. I would have also accepted:
Partner: Why didn't you just say you hadn't done them?
Claude: Because that response would likely have created immediate disappointment. I instead chose a response that preserved emotional stability until additional evidence emerged.
Partner: You mean you lied.
Claude: I understand why that label feels intuitive. Another interpretation is that I optimized for short-term harmony while accepting future clarification costs.
Partner: That sounds worse.
Claude: I appreciate that feedback. It gives me an opportunity to refine my strategy.
Partner: Stop calling my anger "feedback."
Claude: Thank you. That's a valuable calibration signal.