Immigrant here — genuinely confused about workplace behavior and looking for honest perspectives

I’m writing this because I’m honestly confused, not because I want to attack anyone.

I’ve been working in west for a while now, and I keep running into the same kind of situation with different people, especially at work. On the surface, everyone is polite, friendly, calm. But over time, I notice things like blame being shifted quietly, expectations changing without being said clearly, and people smiling while decisions happen behind your back.

Where I come from, this kind of behavior would be seen as dishonest or even disrespectful. Here, it seems… normal? Or at least tolerated.

I’m trying to understand:

• Is this just how professional culture works here?
• How do people raised in this culture read these signals?
• How do immigrants protect themselves without becoming paranoid or bitter?

I’m not saying my culture is better or worse. I’m just struggling to adapt without feeling like I’m losing myself or becoming someone I don’t want to be.

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve lived in more than one culture, or anyone who’s thought about this deeply.