Decades ago, I discovered that if I mentioned finding someone *else* to help solve a problem or get some onerous maintenance job finished, my husband would independently simply solve it or get it done, quietly and without any further discussion.
Males are allergic to asking anyone for a solution. They will do it themselves, thank you very much. It is just like asking for directions. Lost? They will go get a map.
Well, it sounds like you worked out a great problem-solving strategy!