I just graduated from college and started in this new company 6 months ago. I have a problem with a colleague at work. He is not well liked by other colleagues in the office. He's loud, bossy and extremely arrogant.
I am normally quiet and try to keep to myself at work. I am also extremely shy but lately my colleagues started teasing/gossiping about me with this guy and it really bothered me to the point I just want to avoid him to stop all the stares and gossips.
I still need to work with him from time to time, so last week, I tried to approach him by sending him a message but he replied by telling me he doesn't like chatting. He went on further and escalate this matter by humiliating me in front of all my colleagues not to message him anymore.
I have been warned by a trusted colleague not to approach him but I just didn't think he would react this way. He may not realise it but I felt extremely humiliated and all the gossips are not helping. I used to love my job but now going to work is a pain and I keep wishing the earth would open up and swallow me up then.
I guess my question now is how do I deal with this situation? I'm too new to transfer to another department. Even if I could, the whole process will take 6 months to a year. Leaving the company is not a favorable option as I might not be able to secure a job like this.
Edit: Perhaps I left out that he's not exactly in a managerial position but has significant influence in the company as he is the apple in my boss's eye. Therefore, all my colleagues stay out of his way as much as they could.