I knew I was right not to let my guard down around my catty gossiping coworkers.

You will find that anywhere you go. There's always one smart alec in the group. Always one troublemaker. I advise you to get tough [i]right now[/i] and determine not to [b]ever[/b] let them bother you. I know from experience you will be way better off. They mean nothing. If that's the way they treat people, who needs them? They are only treating you that way because they are jealous, insecure people. Just stay away from them, do not listen to what they say, and do your job. I'm really sorry you have to suffer this. the more they think they are getting under your skin, the worse it will get. So just be nice to them and speak nice when they speak and leave it at that. Years down the line you will see that that was the best thing to do. I cannot stand people like this. They have a big problem. if it's noisy in your office, bring some earplugs and that way you won't even have to listen to their garbage. 😂 My best wishes to you.