[lacbuddah]

If he's American and you're not, or english is his first language and your's is not, it's probably a cultural thing and the chemistry is lost in translation. He's just "busting balls" "busting chops" or making fun of you because he wants you to make fun of him. Just make fun of him - find some common ground.

The pessimism, he wants someone to commiserate with, ie share complaints with. You should complain about something with him ie your girlfriend/wife, your mom, friend, commute to work, finding a parking spot, traffic, etc - just about anything. You'll see him listen to you complaint and become more friendly to you.

Give it a shot, sounds like your already in a bad place so you have nothing to lose. Hopefully this helps - good luck.