Sometimes, Thomas, there comes a time when we need to evaluate just how positive an environment is, and whether we still have anything to learn from it, and the people who are creating that environment. Do you need these people? Do they need you?

Negotiation is a good way out of these situations. Negotiating for respect, that is. If you do this then I'll do that, etc. You would need to notify the others that you have some issues you want to discuss with them, and also you would need to have done some careful and thoughtful planning beforehand so that you are clear in what you want to get out of the negotiation.

It is possible that these people just think that they are having fun with you and you might find that they are genuinely surprised that you are getting upset, but that is all the more reason to sit down and talk it all out, in my opinion.

Horses for courses, here, because I don't know the full story, but if you want some practical tips on negotiating, let me know. At the moment, your list of grievances sound a bit like you are being bullied - a little or a lot - and I can talk with you about that, too.

Helen