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Original poster

Any introverts out there appreciate this time?

148 replies

slartibartfastsbeard · 08/04/2020 23:37

I'm just enjoying the chance to be at home and not feel exhausted all the time by social interaction. I'm reading but not responding to group chats about having a big get together once this is all over. I'm just relishing the fact that I can now, unashamedly, stay at home for days on end with a good book or box set and not have to deal with the draining effect of social interaction. That's not to say being at home 24/7 with DH and two teenage boys is a bed of roses, and DH being furloughed on basic wage plus a drop in income for me is extremely worrying, but I find I'm more able to deal with the important things now that I don't have to have other people filling my head.

Any other introverts out there feel similar?

OP posts:
Dieu · 10/04/2020 08:33

I'm the same. I know it sounds lazy, but I also love being able to stay home and weekends with my kids, without having to think of things to do (single parent). I love that we can stay home even when the weather is fine Blush I was going to start a thread on aibu entitled 'anyone else loving lockdown?' but worried that I'd get flamed Grin

Lordfrontpaw · 10/04/2020 08:33

Constant talking, cooking, housework (and I’m actually working from home) - absolutely no time to myself. Driving me nuts.

eaglejulesk · 10/04/2020 08:34

@LittleCandle - I'm going to remember to call myself that in future, as I knew I wasn't a true introvert. Enjoy the rest of lockdown Smile

OhioOhioOhio · 10/04/2020 08:40

Yes. Me!!!

Helocariad · 11/04/2020 11:39

I'm an extrovert and expected to hate having to wfh without the office banter, lunches with colleagues and meet ups with friends. But I don't. I miss seeing friends face to face, miss going to cafes and restaurants and cinema BUT am also feeling myself recharging at home. Spending lots of time with DP and DC who miraculously haven't done my head in yet. Sitting in the garden listening to bird song. Does that make me an introvert? Not sure...I know I am lucky to be living with people I actually like and can talk to though and hug. My heart goes out to those who don't have this. Flowers

MinnieMountain · 11/04/2020 12:36

DH just got offended that I want to do my bike ride without him today. Can you tell he's an extrovert? Smile

crankysaurus · 11/04/2020 12:41

I think being an introvert, and being married to an introvert, definitely help right now. Saying that, I had the depressing dawning realisation that my social life is no different now to before. I would actually someone, anyone, to head to the pub with occasionally.

Helocariad · 11/04/2020 13:37

😊 MinnieMountain. Not sure if that's totally an extrovert thing though. I'm an extrovert but need my alone time too and wouldn't want DP to come along to every walk. Am dreading further restrictions on outdoor exercise as just like many pps would really struggle with that.

Notverybright · 11/04/2020 20:52

know I am lucky to be living with people I actually like and can talk to though and hug. My heart goes out to those who don't have this.

I completely agree

Lordfrontpaw · 11/04/2020 22:08

I love my people - but 24/7 is draining when you are someone who needs time alone.

Nettleskeins · 11/04/2020 22:19

Yes,.but only if I can get out for a long walk once a day (in big city, so a bit like running the gauntlet at present)
Love the phone calls with no need to meet up, no one judging house, my clothes or what I did with my time.
And loving a level cancellation. So chilled compared to the screecht revision fest I was dreading x 2 (twins)
Annoyed I am sharing the telly though. Have had to rediscover siesta hour to get downtime from family life (five adults)

MinnieMountain · 12/04/2020 06:52

I think you're right @Helocariad (lovely name btw). DH has taken to this whole business very well and only needs his bike ride alone on days he wants to go faster than me.

whatswithtodaytoday · 12/04/2020 06:57

I'm liking not having to do the social things I don't want to do, but I'm missing my mum and close friends dreadfully.

I'm also finding having my partner and 14 month old at home ALL the time very tough. I like silence and to be alone in the house, and that doesn't happen anymore unless I send them out for a walk.

stellabelle · 12/04/2020 06:59

I'm loving the serenity. And social distancing can stay forever as far as I'm concerned ! Lovely to not worry about being jostled / crowded by people who don't understand personal space.

MysteriesOfTheOrganism · 12/04/2020 07:11

Yep, I'm loving it. Grin Obviously I feel for those who are genuinely suffering, but that aside, it's wonderful for us introverts. It's deeply satisfying that the extrovert majority have to live in our kind of world for a while. Fewer crowds, slower pace, less busyness, less chaos, less noise. More time to hear yourself think and more space to breathe. Bliss! SmileSmileSmile

Butterfly1066 · 12/04/2020 07:17

Reading all these smug posts makes me despise of humanity
The happiness and joy wrapped up in your own worlds
I notice how no one seems to mention volunteering or helping other people
Glad you all enjoying yourself so much while
the world crumbles

Thirza38 · 12/04/2020 07:20

I'm sorry I just can't see how anyone can describe this as bliss or find joy in extroverts being uncomfortable

toria658 · 12/04/2020 07:27

Yes, totally. Have a dependent disabled partner, I can get round all the caring for him, the house and garden are as pristine as they ever will be. Can’t get an online delivery slot but just wake at 5:30am go to supermarkets once a week ( two in nearest town and we live rurally) come back with the goods for a few friends, elderly neighbours. I am working from home, but the joy of not having to secretly skulk away if partner falls over or has another accident. Work is not disabled/ carer friendly at all, I was already in role when partner became ill. So nice not to get in to find a pickle.

I even repainted my bedroom! Partner commented that lockdown for him is no different, just I’m home, less frazzled and he’s enjoying the company as are the dogs.

Doesn’t stop me feeling guilty about enjoying this time and realising how awful it is for others. I get regular calls from my Dad in the UK and feel for everyone. Lockdown here, I feel, has been stricter than in the UK only supermarkets open and absolutely nothing else. I wonder how many people for a variety of reasons will be reassessing their lives, routines and making changes after this....

bettybattenburg · 12/04/2020 07:28

I'm loving missing the pressure and guilt I feel at not having the cash to do things with the DCs like the cinema etc. I do feel bad how much time they are on the Xbox though.

MinnieMountain · 12/04/2020 07:32

I see the hair shirt wearers have arrived Hmm

SonEtLumiere · 12/04/2020 07:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Bezalelle · 12/04/2020 07:44

It's glorious.

EggBaconBeans · 12/04/2020 07:46

I like being away from people but I've always been like that.

I'm not a people person at all. I find other people's actions and behaviour irritating so in terms of being at home, it doesn't bother me.

Although the circumstances are utterly shit. Those unwell people and those who have lost their lives is absolutely tragic.

Have a family member who has had this awful virus and they have been really really unwell. It's horrendous.

bengalcat · 12/04/2020 07:47

Am still working so although nothing much as changed I feel like I’m a natural social distancer . With less traffic on the roads and people around in general I oddly feel less stressed and calm .

user1497207191 · 12/04/2020 07:47

I notice how no one seems to mention volunteering or helping other people

I'm an introvert and am loving the absence of forced social interaction. I spent 20 years to make my business as remote/online as possible - I had a few remaining clients who still insisted on pointless meetings but Covid has knocked that on the head. Bliss.

None of that means I'm not helping the vulnerable. What I've found though, is that it's the extroverts who make a song and dance, virtual signalling about how wonderful they are. Introverts just do it. Yesterday I did my neighbour's shopping - I don't need to brag about it, don't need to plaster it all over Facebook like extroverts would do. I wouldn't have mentioned it anywhere had it not been for the above quote!