how the &^%$^& do I avoid this situation? or can't i?

[dumb ox]

It's late, and I've been drinking, but I think I see that the raise was bad. Though it does get more money in the pot when I likely have the best hand, it won't get him to fold, and the bigger pot makes it more difficult to play postflop, as I don't have that many chips to work with. Your replies have been a big help; thanks.