When your readers are more attached to your ideas than you are (Killing their darlings)

I'm talking Wife Novel out with Long Suffering Husband:

Me: I'm just not sure if that motivation makes sense anymore.

LSH: It does, because of [describes a scene].

Me: No, that scene isn't in the book anymore.

LSH: OK, but there's still [describes another scene].

Me: I cut that one too.

LSH: Yeah but [character] still…

Me: I actually combined her with [another character] when I changed everyone's ages.

LSH (in great distress): Is anything familiar still in this book?!?!

Me: No! Don't you see? This is ...