When our shelter-in-place began for Covid 19, it was kind of like flipping a light switch. It seemed that we woke up one day and everything had changed. There were, and still are, lots of unknowns and uncertainty, but being the resourceful people that we are, we are figuring it out, and each day we start to feel more comfortable in our new normal.
There are lots of memes floating around about how the daily activities of introverts haven’t changed and that we’re actually enjoying the order to stay at home. Well, I guess I can’t say that I mind it, but there will come a time when it becomes too much. However, I’m almost excited to see what I will come up with to fill the time. Maybe I’ll finally teach myself to play the flute, or learn Polish, or knit a blanket, or write a novel. Who knows?
I do think about and pray for my extroverted family and friends a lot. The meme that calls for introverts to “put down our books and check on the extroverts, because they are not ok” does make me chuckle, but I do take it to heart. This is so outside their comfort zone and they’re learning how to adapt to an environment that doesn’t fulfill one of their basic needs. Trust me, I know exactly how they feel.
How in the world can I know that? Because introverts have had to adapt to a society that favors extroverted qualitites all of their lives. We force ourselves into a mold that isn’t designed for us every day. This quarantine has only been going on for close to 3 weeks and there are people crying out for help to be able to cope with it. Now, I would never let that cry go unheard and will bend over backwards to help in any way I can.
The only thing I would ever ask for in return, is that extroverts recognize that they are currently walking a mile in my shoes. That they realize that the despair and longing and depression (for lack of a better word) they’re feeling are how we feel on any given un-quarantined day. Once this is over, it is my hope that they will make an effort to stop their conversation and check on their introverted friends, because we may not be ok.
My career has taught me to socialize and be comfortable among people, but I am an introvert at heart. Your perspective is wonderful!
Thank you Nicole! I played an extrovert fairly well in a previous job. But was always in need of recharge time. Thanks for your comments!
I love this. And even though I’m a card-carrying extrovert, I can relate more than you’d think…
Anyone who knows me would assume I’m an extrovert. I’m outgoing, bubbly, talkative, smiley, and love being around people. However, I also really value my alone time to think and process, write, read, spend time in nature, etc.
I find this pandemic time challenging for both of my halves – because the introvert in me cannot get a moment alone with my whole family here all the time!!
My solution is to get up super early to catch a few hours of alone time. Thankfully my family is on a new super late schedule so this works for us.
I also just went back to work at the hospital after a six-week leave of absence following breast cancer reconstruction, so my extrovert half gets some interaction there! Best of both worlds.
I’ve been thinking a lot about introverts and extroverts lately, so I enjoyed reading this very much.
I had to chuckle because this is just so completely accurate! I really haven’t had much difficulty adjusting to this new life, but I sure do know others who have!!! Praise for the Introverts!
I adjusted rather easily too. I keep wondering when (if ever) I’ll get tired of it. Thanks, Lori!
Love this. It’s just what I’ve been thinking the past few weeks: “…introverts have had to adapt to a society that favors extroverted qualities all of their lives.” Thank you for sharing!
Exactly! Thanks for your comments Kimberly!
Great post! I’m an introvert as well. (Although people tell me I’m an extroverted introvert, I really enjoy my time along.) Maybe that’s why blogging and taking solitary road trips are so appealing. My wife is very much an extrovert so I have to be sure to “check on her” now as well. Thanks for the thoughtful article.
Thank you, Stan! There are times when I also feel a bit extroverted, but that’s definitely rare. My husband and son are both extroverts so I like to think that I bring a little balance to our house. Thanks for the comments!
As an introvert, this really hits deep. When I see these memes about extroverts, it hurts a bit even though I don’t dismiss their pain. Thank you for this!
Same! It does hurt and I do get a bit annoyed, but I have to remind myself that extroverts don’t know what they don’t know…but now they do. Thanks for the comment, Monica!
Love this! Living with a chronic disease, “shelter in place” is nothing new. I would prefer not to be an introvert, but some days (or weeks) my body just won’t let me join the outside world like a “normal” person. I think both introverts and extroverts can learn and grow a lot from our current time of quarantining and isolation. I pray this time helps all of us gain more understanding, insight, and compassion for others.
Thanks for the comments, Sharon! I’m sorry to hear that there are weeks at a time that you don’t get a chance to be who you are. Sending positive thoughts your way for more good/”normal” days ahead!
This is exactly what I’ve been feeling, but didn’t know how to put into words! I honestly haven’t really been that bored at home – it’s been kind of ideal to have all this time without plans! I do feel for my extrovert people, though.
Thanks for commenting, Liz! I haven’t really been bored either…well, maybe for a few days here and there, but I’m really loving having time to slow down.
Great read and even better insight! As an extrovert, I felt the isolation effects pretty quickly. Hopefully, this quarantine opens ALL our eyes to being aware and sympathetic to others (i.e. Introverts) that changes us long term and for the better. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your positive comment Lisa! It’s great to hear that this post appeals to extroverts as well as introverts. I also am hoping for a more empathetic society all around once we go back to normal.
Get it! I think I am a mixture between introvert and extrovert, I am an introvert at heart but my work needs a lot of people interaction and always challenging me to be the approachable one. This quarantine is definitely allowing me to reset with that extrovert I ‘have’ to be. I do think that for those extroverts out there it is a difficult time and when things all start to semi go back to normal, the introverts where there for them, through FaceTime, late night calls, being creative and maybe playing a game via Zoom to help their mind get off, you are right they need to see all those attempts to help and pay it forward when this is over.
Thanks Katt! It can be very difficult to balance between who you want to be and who you have to be. A previous job I had was one where there was constant customer interaction and was definitely a challenge for me. Thanks for commenting!
I love this! When the quarantine started I immediately felt relieved because I realized I would not feel pressure to be like an extrovert. Thank you for posting July!
Thanks for your comment Cassie! I am loving not having to be talkative and outgoing all the time. Enjoy it while it lasts!