Can someone who has attracted bullies all of their life come out of it in adulthood? I have never been able to combat it correctly?

Asked by kalrbing (287) December 13th, 2017 from iPhone

Back in 7th grade, I was bullied by my whole basketball team. All I ever wanted to do was be nice to people and make friends. This was the beginning of a never ending episode of bullies. I cried a great deal all through out middle and high school about it. The crazy thing is, I am outgoing and can make friend, but I have so many people who ridicule me. Once I went to college, I knew that a fresh start would help me redeem myself. Little did I know, it was more than just the kids I went to secondary school who felt this way about me. As an adult, I have been in so many situations where people talk down to me and I have no idea how to combat it. Even when I try to defend myself, I look like an idiot. How can I get over this. It has gotten so bad that even my boss has joined in. My abundance of mistakes (mainly meeting deadlines or being too involved with my students) gives her leverage to report me if I report her. I am a very caring teacher, and my students confide in me. She mistakes this for trying to pry into their personal lives. I have gotten to the point where I am starting to wish I wasn’t here. I just want to disappear. Trying to be friendly has worked for me in some cases, but I can never stick up for myself when I am confronted. Please help. I’m at my wits end. These tears are getting so old.