Who knows? It may very well become the new cool going forward in a society that ordinarily frowns upon those who value solitude and time for quiet reflection.
It feels as though introverts have been waiting and prepared for an event like this their whole lives.
Although I've touched upon introversion in earlier posts, here's a quick recap of what it really means to be an introvert:
- You draw energy inward.
- You're not necessarily shy or antisocial -- you simply need alone time for recharging.
- You prefer small groups to large ones.
- You value one-on-one conversations because fewer participants means not having to vie with several others to get a word in edgewise.
- You prefer communicating in writing rather than verbally because it affords you the opportunity to think through your words more carefully.
- After a long day spent around people, you need alone time to recoup your energy -- or you risk heavy burnout.
As most of us work from home, it has made all of the above much more feasible (perhaps with exception to parents with boisterous young children they're now in charge of homeschooling).
Here in the United States, many states are gradually easing the lockdowns they have in place, but things will not go back to how they were for some time.
For example, most restaurants will only operate at 50% capacity, with waiters wearing masks and handing out disposable menus.
Many employers had been singing the praises of open workspaces, where employees sit shoulder to shoulder.
The pandemic has no doubt thrown cold water on that form of office configuration. Instead, companies are now looking for ways to keep associates further apart, and that includes implementing staggered work schedules and allowing people to continue working from home whenever possible.
Those employers who were reluctant to allow employees to work from home before this happened are likely rethinking their strategy, as it not only allows them to save on overhead but they're finding that workers are no less productive when working remotely.
Those employers who were reluctant to allow employees to work from home before this happened are likely rethinking their strategy, as it not only allows them to save on overhead but they're finding that workers are no less productive when working remotely.
Another big question mark is whether students will be returning to school in the fall.
While many institutions are implementing sweeping safety measures in hopes of facilitating their return in August, it all depends on how effectively we're able to contain this infection over the next few months -- not to mention whether students themselves will feel comfortable going back.
That's to say nothing of concerts, festivals, football games, and other events where large groups of people convene.
Experts are saying that this new reality is here to stay for at least four or five years unless a vaccine is unveiled beforehand.
Rest assured that introverts aren't complaining, even if we may miss hanging out with friends or hitting up the movie theater every now and then.
Even disgruntled extroverts who are pining for social interaction have to admit that the lockdown has its perks. Who doesn't like being able to work in pajamas and saving on gas money?
I take issue with those who describe the pre-pandemic world as "normalcy" and our present state as, well, the complete opposite.
If more people gave it a chance -- and that includes embracing solitude as good for their well-being -- they might actually come to like it.
All of us want to see the economy booming again, with everyone from small business owners to teachers gainfully employed. Many people -- introverts and extroverts alike, are hurting right now, struggling to put food on the table.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible pandemic.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible pandemic.
It is my hope, however, that people will come away with an altered perception of solitude, never again looking down on those who would rather spend an evening curled up at home with a good book than hitting up the local nightclub.
Extroverts aren't better than introverts. Introverts are no better than extroverts. We're different, and such differences ought to be respected rather than reviled.
Comments