The COVID-19 pandemic is making us all know what it feels like to be an introvert. Is that really true? No, not really. While some think that introverts do not like people and avoid everyone all the time, the typical description of an introvert is someone who is shy or quiet. But here is something interesting, those two things do not always go together. Just because someone is quiet, does not mean they are shy and vice versa. The actual definition of an introvert depends on who wrote the definition. In this case, psychologically, an introverted person is an individual who concentrates on their internal emotions instead of external sources of stimuli. And you can be both introverted and extroverted. Most people are somewhere in the middle.
Carl Jung and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test
Introverts make up about 40% of the population. It all came about with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test of the Big 5 theory of personality by Carl Jung. According to the MBTI, extroverts are energetic, talkative, and outgoing while introverts are more reserved, solitary, and quiet. But many of us are both of these. There are hardly any individuals who are completely introverted or extroverted. In fact, nobody wants to be alone all the time just as much as nobody wants to be in the middle of a crowd all the time. There are middle areas, which is what we call normal human beings.
Social Distancing is Not Fun for Anyone
But as far as this social distancing and quarantining go, those who are more extroverted than introverted are probably not happy about staying home and not seeing friends and coworkers. Alternatively, those more introverted are just going about their lives as usual for the most part. Especially for those who worked from home before COVID-19 came along. This does not mean that some people are going to lose it after a few days of quarantine any more than it means that some people are laughing it up, happy that they don’t have to feel pressured to socialize with others.
Introverts and Extroverts Unite
Think about it this way, introverts tend to be quieter and more distant because they are absorbing things and sometimes get overwhelmed when in a crowded situation. But that does not mean they want to be alone all the time. After all, introverts have friends and families just like everyone else. They just don’t usually jump in and start a conversation with a group of people at a social gathering like an extrovert would. However, introverts will be missing their friends and family members that do not live with them just as much as extroverts do.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
If your feel like this life crisis goes on for longer than a few months, it may start to bother everyone, of course. Because nobody wants to be alone all the time. Luckily, with the internet, we don’t have to be. Facetime your friends and family, do a video chat with colleagues, text your loved ones, or just call someone. You don’t have to sit at home and be lonely. In fact, you don’t have to sit at home at all because going outside to get some fresh air is fine as long as you stay at least six feet away from others. And if you feel the need to talk to someone about your anxiety, depression, or anything else of that nature, just go to https://www.betterhelp.com/start/ and talk to one of the licensed therapists or counselors. You don’t need an appointment and don’t even have to leave your house.
Author Bio
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
