you also can't change your AH's perception either. he owns it. he's allowed to own it.
the one perception, the only one that really matters, is YOURS.
what you think, what you feel, what you want. no one else gets to do that for you, no one else is responsible for you.
you want to swim? then SWIM.
you want to take a class? take the damn class!
your old man wants to go out drinking and tout how much he is NOT drinking??? well there he goes.
see what you see.
know what you know.
assume he will not change. ever. then figure out what you are willing to do about that.