I would work on your self-confidence. I was bullied a lot in grade school and middle school, too. I don't dwell on it like a lot of people, but I think it made me pretty awkward in high school and maybe college.
My biggest boon to self-confidence was going to the gym. I was always pretty pudgy and after six months at the gym, I was in the best shape of my life. That made me feel great. Then I started dressing better, and that's really all it took for me.
I'm sure others will be along to recommend some books. I see Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People recommended a lot, but never read it myself.
