How do you deal with people you feel try to dictate your value or worth?

Let me tell you something. There are some people who are just waiting to put others down psychologically. Perhaps they are afraid that you'll outsmart them. So as a defense mechanism they want to put you down. As simple as that. They want to have full control on you. Don't allow that. If someone tramples you under their feet by the usage of words, you also do the same thing to them ! Tit for Tat. Don't be kind to such people. They don't deserve any kindness. They'll take you for a ride. Also give respect to people who respect you and acknowledges your standard and 'helps you to grow treating you with respect'. Only such people are genuine.