2002 Chevy Impala Normal temp

For a month the temp gauge has been higher than normal. Just under half for highway speeds and warming to half or just over in traffic. Had both upper and lower intake manifold gaskets (a problem with the 3.8 engine it seems) replaced, and coolant flushed, new oil. Oil had supposedly gotten into the coolant. No coolant leaks.
Well this didn't change my temp gauge readings. Had an independent shop run a computer temp with the engine warm. It read 202-208 when revving. Dropped at just idling. Engine temp directly read 196 at idling. They don't think there is a problem.
Do I just get used to the "new norm" on my temp gauge?