Coronavirus social distancing is a HOT (like, feverishly hot) topic right now. As a result, there have been lots of jokes and memes about how this could be the extrovert apocalypse.
After all, we introverts have no problem with social distancing…or do we? There’s a BIG difference between having some alone time to recharge versus government mandated social isolation.
In today’s video, I give my introvert perspective on coronavirus social distancing and how I feel about the current situation.
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Xo,
Extrovert here. Since we’re “people persons”, how hard can it be to think of others and practise social distancing for a while? I’m already not going out this evening, even though I was invited to a gig. It sucks, but this virus sucks more.
I do have to work with the public in libraries, but am standing way back, being less chatty and washing my hands.
There’s always Skype.
I feel that introversion with independence is definitely the name of the game for me! Isolation itself doesn’t scare me because part of my introversion is the need for the freedom of being alone, but also able to do as I please without outside factors “pulling” at me. That is part of what my being at home provides so due to that i can’t imagine that I would fear being isolated, but having my complete freedom to do as I please is an essential part of feeling secure in that. If our government were clear on the details and our citizens would be calm I would be ok. My concern is people are aleady freaking out here and there is now a shortage of toilet paper! Also, the false news that we know is a factor here is a concern because knowledge is essential, and not having confidence on what the truth is makes it another kind of experience. I do think the extroverts will experience the “withdrawal” of social contact alot quicker, but everyone will be affected by control and uncertainty, and definitely the loss of independence. Hopefully it will be a time of rest and not chaos, and that won’t be bad for us!
Yes, I agree with you, Michaela – that “social distancing is going to be hard for everyone, including introverts.” As an introvert, I already am very selective of social activities and networking events to attend, regardless of the number of attendees, but being isolated for many days is going to be a big challenge for me.
I like what you said about being disappointed about the things we were actually looking forward to, not just being excited about canceled plans of all sorts. I hope it’s all over soon, and as long as that’s the case, there can be something good about somewhat of a reset and a breath for the world, where they are canceling things they never cancel. Usually no matter what else goes on, professional sports continue and the stock market goes on, businesses are open day in and day out. Many people never take time off, many people need more time off than they feel they can take, many people do not get enough time at home with their families.
I’ve often wondered how long it would take for me to miss people and socializing at my introverted level. I don’t.
I do wish that the isolation for others (solitude for me) would end so they can get back to doing what they do, but I’m seeing that I could be a full fledged hermit.
The only downside is that I can’t walk into the nearby mountains for more solitude.
Once we get the green light, I still won’t be able to go into the mountains because everyone else will be there. Lol
Technically, extroverts at this quarantine are just passing for a few months what we introverts pass our entire life. They are forced to be at their homes, alone and self-isolated against their will? We were forced OUR ENTIRE LIVES to socialize, talk to people, go out and go to events against our will. And unfairly reprimanded when we refused.
Interesting video. I never suffered from a lack of human communication, but from the time of self-isolation, I realized that communication and finding with other people is important to me. Not like for others, but still it makes my morale better. I did not think that I would miss communicating with other people, but it happened. If this is so important for me, I can’t imagine how it is for other people. Good luck!