Coping With Isolation

Introverts

If you read yesterday’s post you will have read my personality type is an INTP. The “I” stands for introversion, and that basically means you gain energy and strength from being alone. I have always been a loner and I absolutely love it. Even as a kid I would often play by myself, and while my grandmother was watching me on occasion, she would always comment on how I could entertain myself for hours on in.

For introverts, it’s exhausting to engage with people, especially large groups of people. Im sure some of you have noticed that I’m not the interactive type on Twitter or Instagram (FYI…I barely use IG), and I hope you don’t take that personal because I love all of my followers. I just can’t handle a lot of interactions at once. Sometimes it takes me days or weeks to respond to things. I’m not being rude. It’s just me.

I often think people are afraid to talk to me or feel I’m not that approachable, but the truth is I just don’t have much to say and prefer to think and reflect a lot. It allows me to live in my own world oblivious to everyone around me. I’m really a kind and caring person once I feel safe with you, and I can be quite funny when I’m able to loosen up. Needless to say, I’m quite happy not having to be required to go to the office all day. However, I’m not totally happy being at home either. With everything shutdown and kids and the spouse are basically home indefinitely, my days are an endless bought of interactions. What’s for lunch, dinner, I want a snack, come talk to me, and on and on and on. By the end of my work day I want to go to the office for a break. Any other time I would love the opportunity to work from home in isolation, but I have to say I’m starting to lose it.

Extroverts

I have a friend in Chicago who is home bound with her husband and teenage boy. She is as extroverted as they come, and she thrives on talking, hugging, and just being around people. She’s always on Snapchat just rambling and talking to anyone out there. She is struggling bad. Not only did her company go out of business and she list her job, but she’s housebound with extreme introverts. I can feel her soul dying a little but each day. Fortunately, she does have a job lined up and it’s just a matter of time. She will be able to work from home during this too…if she can get equipment.

I don’t m so how the rest of you introverts feel, but I’m sure it is similar to her. Your source of energy has been taken away from you, and you have no way to recharge it. It’s different for introverts who can get away from people to recharge, but with isolation being enforced you have no way to fill up your bucket. This has got to be one of the hardest thing you’ve ever went though. I can’t understand your pain, but I do feel for you.

Going forward

It’s going to be particularly hard for everyone going forward. As introverts we’re probably not used to have if family so close by and all in our business, so we are going to have to set boundaries for those in close quarters to us. Maybe that’s telling everyone you need an hour or two a day to isolate yourself and recharge. This can be going to the grocery store, taking a walk, a drive in the car, or anything else you find doing alone.

For our extrovert friends this will be a bit more difficult, especially if your state or local government has issued a stay at home order. If you live in a development or similar neighborhood, then you can utilize this time to spend with them. If you don’t know them very well, take this time to be friendly and learn about them. You may find a new bestie in all of this. Also, make use of technology and FaceTime, Skype, Hangout, or similar video conferencing software to at least be able to see and talk to those you care about. Maybe have breakfast or coffee with them on the back porch. We can make the best of this for all personalities.