Differences in Introverts & Extroverts during COVID-19.
Through the past two weeks, we have been isolating and forced to decrease our socialization with others. For some introverts, this has been an easier transition. If you are an introvert, the endless running “things to do” list in your head has made its way to actually, “things that are getting done”. If you are an introvert by nature, you are built for alone time, quiet time, projects and solitary activities.
HOWEVER, I beg you my fellow introverts, please be kind to your extrovert friends during this time. Extroverts draw energy from being with others. They get re-charged and refueled by social engagements and being with others in any type of outing, whether it be large or small. They are struggling right now. Extroverts can become more down, depressed and anxious now more than ever.
So, for those of us introverts out there (and keep in mind, introverts usually have many people in their lives who are extroverts; we love them so much because they don’t let us live our lives indoors for too long) we need to show some extra kindness, support and attention to our beloved extroverts during this time.
If you have someone in your life who just thrives on being out and about, socialize with them via Face Time or Zoom or any other way to bring them into your life. It will mean the world to them and those few minutes of social time will help to rejuvenate them.
Socializing is important for us all during this time and we need to learn creative ways to remain connected to one another. Introverts keep in mind, even we can run out of things to put on our “things to do list” (maybe) and we will need those small pockets of social interactions to remind us that we are connected to others and that we too need to be connected to others.
Introverts need extroverts and vice versa. It is within these relationships that we maintain a sense of balance in our social lives and we can only get this sense of balance from each other.
Good luck to us all as we redefine healthy socialization during COVID-19.