The COVID 19 Pandemic has changed the world as we know it. Many of us lurk in our anxieties and desperation, waiting for things to get back to normal. On the other hand, others are enjoying every second of the new social distancing and isolation orders.
The first group is the extroverts, while the second group is the “less” famous introverts.
What is the difference between these two groups?
Extroverted individuals are easily approachable; they have a high energy level; they are assertive and cheerful (among other characteristics). You can see how isolating this type of personality goes against all its instincts and tendencies.
Introverted individuals behave quieter, they are more reserved and do not seek out special attention or social interaction. They cherish time spent alone, while social interaction drains them. Introverts love working alone. They also have a small, carefully selected circle of friends and rarely feel the need to meet new people.
Fear of Missing Out | No More
Now, you can see how locking up the entire planet and “forcing” introverts to stay in, work from home, and avoid social interaction is a dream come true for them. Right?
What is surprising, however, is that there is a little bit of ‘introvert’ hiding inside of all of us.
Who doesn’t enjoy some self-care?
Who doesn’t need some alone time to recuperate and recharge?
In a world before COVID 19, introverts and extroverts existed in a high-paced demanding environment. There was a sense of guilt associated with staying home on the weekend. We had to go out to a restaurant for a weekend dinner.
We felt the need to travel to relax. As if the home we worked so hard to put together is no longer our sanctuary.
There was a constant feeling that we are missing out on something fantastic happening somewhere else. The more well-known term for this is the fear of missing out. It is the driving force in capitalism and our daily lives as well.
This pandemic is perhaps the first time most of us are genuinely experiencing a routine that does not revolve around any fears of missing out on something.
A world before COVID 19 “required” us to be always on the move and on the search for the next “thing” that will make us happy.
Now What?
Now we have all been home for a while. In some areas, social distancing and the isolation started over a month ago, wherein other places it’s been a little over a week.
It has been a considerable adjustment, to say the least.
Even for introverts, social isolation under these circumstances can momentarily feel as if all personal freedoms and human rights are being stripped away.
Is social distancing and isolation as bad as we think?
Somewhere deep down, most of us were happy to unplug from their routines.
Our lives can quickly become similar to predictable movies. No one likes that.
Let’s not neglect to acknowledge “the unity” that we all feel when we have a common enemy.
COVID 19 has brought people together in spirit. We have witnessed unusual gestures of gratitude happening globally.
Have you seen the videos of the people singing on their balconies? (most likely extroverts trying to gain some ground)
Have you seen the number of volunteers coming out to help the elderly?
It is heartwarming to have our humanity restored and rise above fear.
Experiencing the Other Side of the Coin
Everything we experience in life comes with an opportunity to help us grow.
Extreme situations, like a pandemic, are helping a lot of people reevaluate their life choices.
We have, unfortunately, heard about difficult situations such as domestic violence becoming more prominent. So yes, there will be more divorces when this is done.
We have also heard about people who are taking the time to fall in love with each other all over again. So yes, we can possibly expect a wave of newborns.
We have read about introverts that have had enough and are ready to switch gears as soon as they can. So yes, we will see a lot of new faces out when this is done.
Also, many extroverts have discovered the benefits of living as an introvert for a while.
It appears that this pandemic can be the catalyst to help us manifest what we had on hold for a long time. We finally have time to fight, or fall in love, or write a book, or learn how to cook.
Putting aside all our anxieties, whether introverted or extroverted, we are given an opportunity to experiment, to relax, to reevaluate, and reconnect and to move forward to the next chapter.
We hope that everyone is staying safe and focusing on extracting as much value as they can from this pandemic.
AT IRIS WRITING INTERNATIONAL, WE TAKE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH SERIOUSLY. MAKE SURE YOU ARE CHECKING BACK TO READ NEW ARTICLES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES THAT ADDRESS THE ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE THAT ARE BEING AFFECTED BY THE CRISIS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.