Meg,
As I am 25, so I'm 8 years your senior, I've thought about how to reply to your problem in a way that makes sense. I wouldn't say anyone's problem isn't worth replying to...just because we are all in different places in life doesn't mean that what is happening to us isn't serious to us. After all, I wrote about my job-hunting stress, and I daresay, the younger members of this forum couldn't really relate to that...you lot simply aren't at a point in your lives where you're looking for a career, and I know that! But that doesn't NOT mean you don't have something of value to say, insight to give, or support to show...on the contrary, I respected and appreciated everyone's comments, from young and old alike.
So, rather than try to analyze you or this guy or whatever, I'll tell you a little about my relationship with my boyfriend. You may not think that'd help you, but then again, at 25, having 'kissed a lot of toads to find a prince', making mistakes and dating some of the 'wrong' people has not only lead me to someone really right, but has also taught me a great deal about how relationships SHOULD be. My boyfriend, I can honestly say, is my very best friend, and I love that about our relationship. He really respects me, and vice-versa. Additionally, neither of us feels 'honoured' to have the other in our lives...don't get me wrong, I feel lucky to have found him and have him in my life (and vice-versa), but not to any degree that I felt inferior to him or feel I'm totally blessed because I'm unworthy of him yet I have him (and vice-versa).
I don't REVERE him (my boyfriend)...I don't 'worship' him and/or put gobs of pressure on him to be some perfect person and/or the 'answer' to my happiness...that's really unhealthy and ultimately destructive. That's like staying in a relationship with someone because they've threatened suicide if you break up with them...that's pressure no one needs, and that's NOT caring and respecting someone you claim to love (or really like)...so often, people mistake this kind of 'extreme devotion' as love, but it isn't...it's treating someone like some kind of prized possession or trophy or rare artifiact...how can a person be close to, respect, and love someone like that?
I don't want to be ANYONE'S 'answer' or 'trophy' or 'obsession' or 'prize'...none of those terms relate to people or being human or having a personality or anything like that. To me, a boyfriend/girlfriend should enhance your life...not put you under pressure to be something in their mind's eye...how do you live up to that? I don't mean 'you' as in you specifically but people in general...I've dated guys who acted like they weren't good enough for me or only dated me because I'm pretty (so they say!) or treated me like I was someone to 'obtain' and then 'show-off'...I felt manipulated, used, and worst of all, unappreciated for all the things I have going for me beyond my looks or supposed status one would attain in dating me (which I think is a load of rubbish anyway!)...some guys (and older ones can be just as bad) see dating as a game...and play one women's emotions and thus manipulate them that way.
I'm sorry, but this is going to sound harsh, but I found out the hard way...if a guy you date is doing something that truly upsets you or disrespects you or in any other way makes you uncomfortable, I kid you not, if they truly care about YOU, they'll make a concerted effort to change. You shouldn't have to say it 1,000 times...I'd have wasted a lot less time on a lot fewer guys had I stood up for myself more and stood my ground...it's a fine line...it can't be your way or the highway, but something basic like not being treated like a 'precious object' isn't difficult...but changing is difficult to do for anyone and takes effort...and some people just don't want to make that effort...they may talk a good game about making that effort, but if after two or three times you saying something and nothing really changes, there's your answer.
Don't let someone's manipulation tactics make you change your stance...you deserve respect and being treated as a person...you deserve to have someone in your life who makes you happy and makes life easier, NOT more difficult. But the key is, YOU have to want that for yourself...my saying it makes no difference if you don't believe, in your heart, you deserve it...you have to believe it and then act on it...you have to find a way NOT to be afraid of standing your ground and walking away (breaking up and sticking to it) if need be. No one NEEDS a boyfriend or girlfriend...I firmly believe I'd rather be alone than be with someone totally mediocre just to be with someone...all I can say is don't settle...you have to choose your battles, but I'd say that someone respecting you, being your equal, and wanting a give-take relationship not a superior/inferior relationship, full of manipulation and mind-control is an issue worth standing your ground on...I wish you all the best, and I hope, in some way, I helped (not just you, but any person who's been in a similar situation or relationship).

Sorry it's such a long post!!
Sincerely,
Lizzy
