Introverts Thrive During Pandemic
Not being able to be with friends and family during this ongoing pandemic can be taxing for a lot of people, however not all people think this way. Introverts and people who enjoy alone time have found some elements quite enjoyable.
“Staying inside and not being near people is socially acceptable now. I stopped talking to almost everyone besides my best friends and parents. I've gotten more time to myself which has lead to me having more energy at times,” said Josephine Whelan, a self-spoken introvert.
Photo by Kiersten Olson
Being at home more sounds like an introvert’s paradise, which in some aspects it is. No large social gatherings, less time in public and people keeping their distance all sound right up their alley. Many introverts consider their home to be a sanctuary, where they can relax and recharge their batteries. This sanctuary acts as a foundation, and reinvigorates them with the strength to carry out tasks in public and society that may not be their favorite thing in the world. This differs from extroverts, who use social interaction as a way to recharge. Their sanctuary is being with other people that they care about. However, quarantine isn’t a utopia for an introvert.
Being at home 24/7 isn’t all rainbows and butterflies for those that dislike social interaction, especially students and those that live at home. For most students, learning has gone from the classroom to the computer, and students are now participating in Zoom calls and Google Meets more than ever before. While introverts may like this because they don’t have to be with other people outside of their safe space, this presents another problem. An introvert’s house is often times the place where they feel safest, and participating in calls in that space completely shatters the purpose of it. Their home is a place where they can specifically escape from social interaction when they need to, but now having that social interaction in that safe space makes them feel uncomfortable.
In addition, many high school and college students are now at home with their families, and their families are home with them. This can put a lot of stress on their relationships, and their house becomes less and less of a sanctuary.
“ I get to do the things I enjoy more, which are solo things, like painting and reading. I think that it (the pandemic) has made it a lot harder to connect with people, so consequently I stopped talking to some people because it became hard to keep up with friendships outside of school,” said Emmalie Allers, a self-spoken ambivert.
The idea that having alone time is unnecessary, unhelpful, and the least of our concerns during a pandemic is untrue. Just because a very popular issue with this quarantine is the loneliness and desire to see other people again, does not mean the opposite issue is any less legitimate. According to an article by Psychology Today, alone time can increase self-reliance and independence, as well as decrease how much you need other people to feel happy.
While introverts may not be popular for their love of social interaction, it doesn’t mean they don’t have full and rewarding relationships, and those relationships have been affected as well. On one hand, being at home more allows introverts to spend quality time with their loved ones in a place they’re most comfortable. However, many introverts and their partners have periods of the day where they are not at home, and this time is a great opportunity for introverts to get that absolute solitude they need sometimes. Being with their partner 100% of the time can put a strain on their relationship. If you’re an introvert, or just anyone who enjoys alone time and are a little overwhelmed with their current home life, it’s to communicate as best as you can. That can be difficult for many people with difficult families, but the best way to find something that works for you is to discuss it with those around you and communicate how you’re feeling.