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How introverts feel about a quieter holiday season in 2020


'Tis the season to be jolly... except if it is 2020, of course.

Thanks to the global pandemic, we have all had to navigate through an unprecedented year. 

Layoffs/reduced hours at work, business closures, getting used to wearing masks, keeping our distance even from loved ones, lockdowns, curfews, schools going virtual, a bitter presidential campaign, and the list goes on.

But many introverts would admit they have at least one thing to celebrate: Finally having a valid excuse not to attend large holiday gatherings.

The Christmas party at the office. The noisy family get-together consisting mostly of distant relatives you see only once a year.

It isn't so much that introverts hate holiday events; it's that they find the shindigs to drag on a bit too long -- not to mention they walk away feeling energy depleted.

You see, heavy social interaction wears an introvert out. If they can't make for the exits early, they stake out the nearest quiet spot where they can refuel -- be it the bathroom, a balcony, the stairs, or inside their car. 

Introverts have been waiting their entire lives for a situation where they can leverage their introspective inclinations, laid-back demeanor, and love of staying home. 

The lockdowns and work-from-home directives play to an introvert's strengths. 

We prefer written communication to oral discourse. Give us Zoom meetings, IMs, or emails over in-person meetings any day of the week.

Shopping on Amazon rather than hitting up a bustling mall? No problem. 

Delivery instead of dining out at a crowded restaurant? Count us in.

That's not to say we don't miss catching a flick at the theater or visiting our favorite museums.

But the fact of the matter is we're less bothered at having to stay home -- where we can easily entertain ourselves with our books, writing, painting, and documentary-watching -- than most others. 

Sure, it can be difficult to disconnect from work when you're working from home, but it's imperative that we establish boundaries for ourselves (e.g., after 6 p.m., you push yourself to walk out of your home office and turn off your email alerts on your phone.)

While introverts want this horrible pandemic to come to an end just as much as extroverts do, some will find it challenging to go back to how things used to be. 

All we can hope is that society will come to embrace introverts for who they are rather than labeling them weirdos, hermits, or stuck-ups.

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