"Don’t waste your time trying to explain yourself to people that are committed to misunderstanding you."
--Shannon L. Alder
Your time is limited and precious. It should be spent with people who value, genuinely care and love you. Sure, we all have to do things with individuals we may not particulary care for, but don't dwell in spaces where people are always negative and continuously criticize you. You deserve better than that.
"If you really put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price."
-- Author Unknown
In Algebra, we learned the theory of "Absolute Value" which states that the absolute value of any number, positive or negative, or any equation is never negative. So we apply this same theory to our life. My value is not negative, and I will not accept negativity or abuse. I am worth more. Say it out loud: "I am worth more." Prepare for more, ask for more and work for more.