Oddly enough, I'm the exact opposite. People find me standoffish, snobby and kinda dislike me on sight. I used to be the conventionally beautiful one, now I'm just the fair to middling attractive middle aged one. But I'm probably the most soft hearted person ever, I'm just very socially awkward. Funny how people make snap judgments.

That said, I agree with your premise. Likeability isn't owed. Particularly in professional settings. I much prefer competence to likeability.

As for the particular experience you reference, I'm thinking it's not you at all, but more whatever you've caused to come up in this person about themselves. Keep being you, you're plenty likeable to me from what I've read of your work. :)