Glad you were soothed by the writing of the post. As much as we’d like everybody to like us, this is statistically quite impossible. I’ve learnt to accept that no matter how hard I try or how good I am, at least 5% of the world won’t agree with me or like me.

Your colleague probably belongs to that 5% of people in your life you’re never going to win over, nor should you try as it will lead to a lot of heartache with very little progress. I’ve also learnt that when people lash out at us, the attack comes from their own hurts and insecurities. Your colleague very likely has issues of his own which make him react to you.

Over the years I try to take things less personally, recognising that others have their own inner worlds that cause them to act the way they do, and that their actions have very little to do with my inner world. I can only take care of my little world and let others take care of theirs.

Hope this comments helps a little, though it comes late. Thank you for trusting me enough to share your thoughts and struggles so openly here. I’ve learnt a lot from you and am inspired to continue blogging if it helps even one other person.