People get used to how we act and how they treat us. when they are not nice people they belittle us with mean comments and sarcasm. When we heal, get better, find our voice and change-we change the dynamic between us and the jerks. And they often do not know how to act. So they double down on the nonsense that worked in the past, hoping to beat you down and break you. The best thing is to ignore them and not take the bait. I was told one time: "What other people think of me is none of my business". If something isnt true than getting upset by it makes it seem true and allowing these toxic people see that I am bothered is like giving them fuel for the fire.