Title: How should I deal with coworkers who constantly make subtle digs at me?
I work in a hypermarket and I’m currently training to become a department manager. I’m generally a kind, polite and hardworking person, but I’m also not naturally confrontational. I suspect I may be autistic/Asperger’s, although I’ve never been formally diagnosed. I do have a confirmed diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Recently, I’ve started getting the impression that a reputation has spread among some coworkers that I’m someone who “can’t defend himself.” Because of that, some colleagues seem to make subtle or indirect comments about me, sometimes using a more sarcastic or provocative tone.
What makes it frustrating is that I’m genuinely trying to improve and progress toward becoming a manager, so dealing with this kind of behavior is really stressful.
I’m not sure what the best approach is. Should I simply stick with the coworkers who treat me respectfully and ignore the others? Should I be more assertive and firmly shut down these comments? Or would telling them to “fuck off” or raising my voice just make things worse?
I actually tried standing up for myself once, and the other person responded aggressively, which made me feel even worse.
I don’t want to create drama or start fights. I just want to be respected and learn how to handle these situations without either staying silent or completely losing my temper.
How would you deal with this situation?