During school years I definitely felt spared from bullying for a similar reason. Everyone was more eager to defend me than target me. I don't really see it as an adult so much. I play the lost puppy dog persona a lot for my work or when I need something, so I'm kind of using it to my advantage. I like to think I got that from my dad, who is a very successful businessman but plays stupid. One thing I've found consistent as an adult is the better I dress/look, the worse I get treated. I've always found it bizarre. If I'm dressed like a child, messed up hair and looking terrible, people are extremely friendly to me. Then if I actually get dressed nice and think I look like a professional, people are much more cold.