Hello All! Today I noticed that libraries are now going to be open longer, children-mask on-the-bus mandates are being lifted and other signs that the pandemic is easing into history. That is good news on all fronts -yes? Well, yes and no.
Introverts – confined at home, working remotely, spending Friday and Saturday evenings without pressure to go out and stretch their social resources – may not be rejoicing like their extroverted friends. Doreen Dodgen-Magee writes, “Introverts may struggle to maintain solitude in a world hyper-attuned to efforts to reconnect”. While introverts adapted to the COVID-19 sanctions to “keep to yourself”, the world is now reopening. Introverts benefitted from the social distancing both emotionally and socially.
Now what? How will introverts “justify” their desire to be alone, have space of their own? How will the boundaries introverts relished, be treated by exuberant extroverts and employers eager to return to business as usual? This is a precarious situation, prone to shame, confusion and frustration.
Re-entering the community is going to be challenging. I support the introverts as they navigate this. Are you an introvert starting to wonder how this will play out? Keep in touch. How can I support you?
Dr. Pepper James