Arrogance

Yesterday we went to my boyfriend's friend's house to launch their jet skis. His friend's name is Alex and also happens to be his boss. My boyfriend has known him for a long time and the two of them are close. I stayed behind with Alex's wife while the boys had their fun in the water. I like Alex's wife and had a really good time talking and hanging out with her.

I was totally comfortable in the situation until we were standing on the dock watching them come in with their jet skis. Alex made it back first and docked his ski. I saw that my boyfriend's jet ski got clogged and he went in the water to fix it. I stood their watching while Alex insulted my boyfriend saying he was a "dumbass", "stupid", "he just doesn't listen", and "did you expect him to actually be smart". Now I know that friends engage in some friendly jokes but this to me sounded like he really thought that he was dumb. Alex didn't laugh after he said it, he just seemed annoyed.

After hearing that, I became uncomfortable being at his house. I told my boyfriend that I was uncomfortable but didn't tell him about the insults. Eventually I ignored Alex, which was difficult since we were at his house, and I managed to have a good time by playing with Alex's three year old daughter.

It's really hard. This is not the first time this has happened. At a wedding, Alex tried to convince me to break up with my boyfriend. I told him about it and at work the next day my boyfriend defended me and told him off. Now Alex doesn't directly talk to me usually, which is fine by me.

I don't like Alex. Besides insulting my boyfriend, I find Alex to be arrogant, bossy and abusive. I am not comfortable around him. I wish I had the guts to say something to him when he is being insulting and rude, but I know that he is his boss and I try not to make waves for him at work. I also will have to hang out with him more and more and want to feel comfortable around him. I don't know what to do about it. Its just a hard situation. And is there a rule that says I HAVE to like all of my boyfriend's friends?