Disgruntled

The introvert / extrovert thing has missed something in all of this social isolation blah.

Your energy-acquiring preferences have almost nothing to do with why social isolation /quarantine situations are challenging.  I'm actually getting a little annoyed at all the comments I see about how easy all of this is for homeschoolers, or introverted people, or bookworms,  or (insert some group of 'others') because this is all just false advertising.

To start with, the labels of introvert/extrovert apply to how we feel energized and renewed and inspired - is it through contact with others or time apart?

I would call myself an introvert - and I am having a hard time with all of this, and here's why.

Firstly - I am never alone now, and I think a lot of introverts can agree with me on this one.  If you are renewed by solitary pursuits, and you have exactly zero minutes during the day when you are apart from your family,  this does not make for a peaceful time.  Not that I had hours to myself daily before,  but I certainly had more time than this.

Secondly - I had a life previously that involved activities I love, and all of that is gone.  Just because I'm an introvert doesn't mean I never left my house or dreaded every activity!   I can't browse my favorite second hand bookstore.  I can't take my children to the library.  I can't go into a grocery store to pick out food to cook.  I can't go for an evening walk with a friend or meet someone for coffee.  I can't go to church.

Thirdly - I've never met an extrovert who wanted to never ever be alone, ever.  Who always wanted to be with others.  And likewise I have never met an introvert who wanted to live their lives completely removed from all outside human contact.  And if I did meet a person in one of those extremes I would assume they suffered from an illness because that is not a normal human response.    Even the most extroverted person wants some time alone.  Even the serious introverts of the world would still like some interaction with others.

This is hard for many people,  which is completely fine because it is supposed to be difficult to spend extended time away from your loved ones, your friends,  your favourite activities and joys in life.  The fact that this is hard means you've been doing life well up to now!  You've made connections and put down roots!  That's a healthy thing.

I just wish that it could stop being an 'us and them' thing. Extroverts aren't seeing their people and introverts aren't seeing their people either.  Introverts aren't getting their time alone and extroverts also aren't getting their time alone.   This is a sucky time for everyone.   Be kind.