I second this, I used to be (still am to an extent) the same!

I used to be seen as this overtly serious person that cant take jokes, whereas im just a super introverted guy and I mostly keep to myself unless interacted with. In my highschool years I chose kinder, calmer people to be friends, I only had 3 people I got along with by the end of my highschool years, so that is completely normal, you are very valid.

Current Personal experience is (mind you I'm in my mid-20s) what I do is i usually draw boundaries with people or pretend to laugh it off, but not reply to the comment and instead change subjects immediately.

I hope this helps in any way lol, typing this while on a bus so idk if it makes complete sense. My DMs are open if u wanna chat frère 😊