Originally Posted by trailmix

No you can't. That is indeed a no -win situation. No way to control it, no way around it. He has you exactly where he wants you. It's a bully's paradise.

As for the trip, I still don't get it. Why would he look bad to your family if he doesn't go? I mean I wouldn't even be concerned about it, personally, but I don't imagine your family is that enamoured with him either?