Is your boss just difficult to deal with? If so, what do you do about it? How do you handle talking to the person who could, in theory, have you fired or destroy your career? This piece on Monster.comhas some ideas and suggestions.
The first tip is that you have to look past your personal problems with the person and focus on the actual problem. If you feel you aren't being paid fairly, for example, then that is the problem and not whether or not your supervisor is a jerk.
Secondly, be sure you listen as much as you want to complain. More than likely your boss has a very strong contradictory opinion from your own. Take the time to really listen to what the other person has to say and understand their point-of-view.
Third, make sure you come to your boss with a solution and not just a list of complaints. Having a clear plan of action can lessen any confrontation.
Fourth, make sure you make your manager understand that your issues have merit. If the problem is that you aren't paid enough, make sure your supervisor realizes that a valued employee should be treated fairly.
Fifth, if your boss is just too much of a jerk to deal with, you may have to consider going to someone else. Who does your manager report to? Do you think they'd be willing to talk?
Finally, get everything in writing. If you come to some kind of agreement about your pay or any other problem, make sure all of the parties involved are willing to put things in writing. That way you can be sure to get the outcome you need and have the proof that everyone agreed to it.