Come on, gentlemen...if you can't laugh at yourselves......well, if you can't, I'm going to hang my head in disappointment, and walk away in my plaid skirt, man-purse hanging off the front and fingernail tool stuffed down one sock, and go back to tending to my herd of sacred cows .

I'd like to hear how the OP resolves the situation. Many here have recommended turning the other cheek. My experience has been that turning the other cheek often only results in getting smacked on that cheek too, particularly when the problem is coming from someone in a position of authority with absolutely no incentive to change.

Another way to think of it...it is not possible to compromise with an absolute point of view. Those of you who have attempted debate with a member of a substantially different religion have undoubtedly realized this. Any attempt to compromise with an absolute point of view results in the compromising party sacrificing their beliefs to reach a position closer to the absolute...and the more they "compromise", the more their point of view is quite simply corrupted or ignored, and the result is they either accede or capitulate to the absolute. Think I'm wrong? Ok...there are probably shades of gray in this...but try debating with the next guy who knocks on your door...you know, the one in the white shirt, black slacks, black tie, talking about saving your immortal soul. Nice guys, usually...but they hold an absolute point of view, and unfortunately it isn't often worth the time to talk, for the same reason that I'm dubious that talking will solve the OP's dilemma.

If my religion examples aren't working for you, try talking to an ex...you know, the one you split with because you just couldn't ever compromise on anything.

Those of you who advocate talking to the guy...as the more aggressive of us have made our suggestions, I'm genuinely curious what you would say--or write, were it a letter--to the individual in question. It will undoubtedly help the OP, and it may very well help me when I'm in a similar situation someday.

-Sean