Introverts and Extroverts in Quarantine

I’ve been thinking about how different people will respond to being told to shelter in place, quarantine, etc. It might be eye-opening for some extroverts to realize how difficult it is to be forced to live out of your best personality zone for an extended period of time.

Introverts know this because we live in a culture that prizes extroversion. We’re constantly made to work in open office spaces, work on group projects, and are directed to speak up and contribute on demand when we are trying to think/process before we thoughtfully speak up. We’re seen as deficient because we’re not naturally outgoing all the time. We are drained by busy places and noise. We’re told we’re weird because we like our own company, our quiet home, and our quiet endeavors.

Now extroverts are going to find out how difficult it is when they are forced to live in a way that doesn’t fit their personality. Instead of being free to come and go, connect socially with lots of people, etc. they are going to be at home for a long time. It’s not their best situation and I fully recognize that.

I’d like to hope maybe it would give them some insight as to how people truly are wired differently. Neither one is right or wrong. We thrive in different ways. The advantage extroverts have is that the culture prizes their wiring far more than the introvert wiring.

I know there are a lot of introverts who read my site. For the extroverts who read here, I feel your pain. Not exactly, but I know what it is like to not be able to get what you need. It’s tough. Hang in there.

Introverts, continue on doing what you’ve been training for your entire life – extended hunkering down at home. LOL!