Speaking of co-workers

I've figured out my co-workers a little bit better, and have come to the conclusion that they really didn't know what to make of me, a quiet Northerner. I thought at first perhaps they didn't like me. No one seemed to respond to my sarcasm, which was the major way of communicating in my last job. I think mostly they don't understand me.

Southerners are loud. I used to get a little freaked out in meetings with all the yelling, but now I know that's just how they are. I'll never be a yeller. I'll never be an interrupter, or a talk-over-er (?). But now I know how to sit in a meeting without thinking it will erupt in fisticuffs.

I've learned that teasing and a little dramatics go a long way. Those, and not sarcasm, seem to be the method of communication here. I can deal. I like my workplace so much better when I can tell people like me. (For a while, I made myself be ok with the fact that the children's counselor didn't like me, because I didn't want to be that girl who gets upset when everyone doesn't love her. But then I realized I might as well try to put aside my feelings about some of her behavior and be more friendly. And it seems to work pretty well. At least if she doesn't like me now, it's nothing I can change.)