Survival guide for offices

[HugoC]

I always struggled with my SA in offices, particularly ones with open plans where everyone listens to what you say and there is barely any privacy to build relationships with colleagues. Not being comfortable in participating in group day-by-day conversations I start isolating myself until everyone ignores me or resent my silence with passive-aggressiveness. It's been like this for the last 15 years over five different offices.
Now I started a new job with a company that I really like with a bunch of people that are really cool I am trying to make an effort to be a bit more engaged and participate more. Does anyone went through a similar experience that can share some tips?

 

[kihira]

I think if you aim to make some effort it will go a long way, having at least a little conversational contact each day means you're in the loop, people worth knowing will 'get' that you're generally quiet, and don't think you have to be as conversational as everyone else though.