 try a little tenderness
I would say it more like: The acceptance I have of another person is directly proportionate to the acceptance I have of myself.
Something about this man's behavior is bugging you because there's a correlation of something in your own self that's unacceptable to you. (and of course, that which you resist, persists.) Maybe you could practice superlove therapy on him, which is actually superlove therapy on yourself. Whenever you find yourself irritated by what he says, practice giving him what he needs. If you hear him saying how clever he is, agree with him! Find and acknowledge what it is he's looking for acknowledgement on, with a generous heart, letting go for the moment of any resentment you may have. Then find and acknowledge something in yourself that needs recognition -- it's probably related to this issue in way that will surprise you.
I recommend just trying that on for a few minutes at a time -- see if it feels good to you. Remember that you can always let resentment and irritation back in to your heart if you find you need it.
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