[indianapolisan]

My aunt used to play it like a game, pitting people against each other and then sitting back to watch the fireworks. I myself an am extreme introvert and can't really tolerate being around people for more than 90 minutes without getting physically ill. What has worked for me is being well-mannered polite and pleasant almost all the time so that when I give my short, concise answers, it is not interpreted as rudeness. I focus on the satisfaction of the work I do, the adequecy of my pay, and the other small things I enjoy about my job. I make it a point to excercise daily. In the past I had jobs where stuff like that was intolerable and there was an added component of bullying. I nuked that job with only a vague 'Going back to school' plan. I was unemployed for several months and looked like I might have to move back into my car. But I didn't and have never regretted it. If it is that bad, like a shitty bf or gf, dump the muthafucker already. Or at least start working on your exit plan.