"So, if you want to stay with him and move past it — and this might sound a little New Age-y, but I’m just going to go for it — I’d say stop trying to make him admit that he called you plain (nothing to gain there!), and start pitying him and his friends. Not to his face, but lightly, warmly, inwardly. It’ll give you a powerful glow. And the glow will get stronger and stronger, and he’ll sense it, and become increasingly entranced/intimidated. And then eventually you won’t like him much anymore, I’m predicting. Because power is beautiful, and can act as an interesting if unpredictable balm. Aaand I’m worried I sound like a crazy witch, but hopefully something somewhat useful is coming across."