As a kid I discovered trash talking as a strategy and adapting my behaviour to be more like the others helped me. But growing older this is not such a great opt

As a kid I discovered trash talking as a strategy and adapting my behaviour to be more like the others helped me. But growing older this is not such a great option anymore. Also in a competitive workplace only being kind doesn't get you far, at worst it leads to burnout. I think one needs to find a balance. Also in my school class the most nerdy kid just played air plane during class and recess and that is why he got bullied really badly. That kid also did some fun things sometimes but loudly playing his solitary games was just completely out of place. Thinking back it makes me wonder why teachers didn't mention that to him.