I find it best to diffuse the situation with a light hearted joke or something. I know it’s a coping mechanism from the years of bullying, taking the jab at yourself before others can, but still I find it has the best outcomes for social interactions. At the end of the day though please realize that the problem is not with you, but with whomever it is that you’re talking to and the way that they were raised. Keep your head up chief, I know it’s hard.