To be honest this doesn't sound like it'll work out if he's actually packing all of his things and leaving. To me that's a sign that he probably wouldn't come back even when he did, which was wrong of him as well. Like others have said, slapping someone is GREATLY disrespectful and for a guy it's like a gunshot to his ego and probably makes him feel like the less dominant person in the relationship. But anyway, if he's realizing what needs to change and improve and these fights are constantly coming along yet again, it seems like he only realizes what needs to be done but doesn't want to do it. I'm not an expert on this, but I think you guys should just take a break and relieve your stress; continue things when he actually wants to make a change. If not, then your better off with a new guy that'll respect you more.