Dealing with domineering friend?

Question

I developed a friendship with a guy I roomed with over the summer. During this period, I was especially kind to him and I sometimees felt as though he took advantage of my kindness. However I avoided confrontation because I saw these faults in his personality as minor faults. However, I now work with him as a partner in a lab class. During this time, he has displayed a domineering personality and talks down to me at times. We have had verbal confrontation a total of three times our time as lab partners. After our last confrontation, I am hoping that our friendship will cease. Can someone give their opinions about this case and tell me how I can continue to work with him as a lab partner.

Answer 1

This guy either does not see you as an equal, or is doing a domination number on you to take you down a peg. He has mistaken kindness for weakness.
Find another friend.
If you insist on keeping him as a lab partner, view it strictly as a "job" and keep it professional. I really would suggest getting another partner, though.

At some point, you need to evaluate each relationship and ask, "What does this person bring to the table?" Is this person a mooch? A user? A manipulator? A drama-queen? A time-waster? Or is this person your cheering section? Provide insight? Make you laugh?
As you go down the list of traits and how each thing makes you feel, you will know who you should be spending more time with.

Answer 2

hmm, it's difficult to have a relationship with someone who looks down on you.

I think you really oughta sit him down and help him understand how much you dislike his negative behavior and how much it is affecting you and your work together.

Try taking him to a casual diner or picnic and let him know that unless he is willing to treat you with more respect that you are going to request a different lab partner.

Good luck.