TD Is a Middle School Teacher, One of the Few

TD is a middle school teacher, one of the few men in the building. He is also in a long-term committed relationship with a man (they are not permitted to marry in the state where they live, otherwise, they would have been married long ago) . Five years into his teaching career, he finally shares this information with one trusted colleague, who is surprised to learn this information. Upon further reflection, however, this colleague realizes that TD has long deflected questions about himself and his home life when they touch base on Monday mornings, allowing her to speak and bombarding her with more questions. Of the following passing strategies, which best describes TD's behavior?

A) denial
B) dissociating
C) dodging
D) deceiving