Dear Against Gravity -
I have suffered all sorts of instructors, both in the USA and the UK. And clearly as you are paying this guy, if he doesn't float your boat its time to bail out!
Not only that, try a different airfield, and a different flying club/school. Where do you live in the US? that will help me advise you. As you have started flying a Cessna 172, probably wise to stick with the type; make sure however that it is well maintained! And have a good thorough read of the Pilots Operating Handbook.
Practice gentle stalls at altitude. Any good instructor shouldn't be afraid to stall!
Its no big deal, really. After all, a good landing is a stall near the ground.
Six to 8 inches, that is. A stall from 10 feet can be painful.
Avoid ex military instructors.
It's supposed to be fun, remember?