I try to be kind, upbeat, etc in my interactions with other people, especially at work. I want to treat others well, work together peacefully, and leave the project happy. I’ve noticed that some people (particularly more curmudgeonly folks) seem to read that attitude as naïveté, and feel like they can walk all over me or treat me like I don’t know what I’m talking about. Why is that?
Bullies (personality disordered) seek out the strong to “prove” themselves “strong”, and perceived weak for laughs/external validation. They are afraid they have nothing of substance to offer (they don’t), and rather than sit with themselves to find weaknesses and flaws (much too painful, either due to an over-indulgent – or more often, a physically/verbally/sexually/financially abusive – upbringing) and do the work to be better people (if they can correctly identify “better,” because to them, abusive behavior seems safe and strong [“suckers and losers” = “bad, they deserve it”]).
You’re going to have to be the one to protect you, I’m sorry to say. Most people don’t want to risk being “trouble makers,” lest they lose their jobs. You’re going to have to start documenting everything, then either meet with your supervisor, but an anonymous email (not from the company device or account or connection) may be able to check that behavior. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to meet with your supervisor or HR. I’d strongly recommend trying to find something else, before that meeting, but have your notes photocopied to take to the meeting and try to use different language. Leave the original copy home, with a photocopy in a different place, in case one set of notes becomes lost or damaged.