An Extrovert Living in an Introverted World

On the spectrum of Extroverted or Introverted I have always been classified as leaning more on the Extroverted side.  I remember my Mother telling me that I could strike up a conversation with just about anyone at any given time....and make it a good conversation for both people. It's a gift, or a curse...depending on the circumstance. 

Our world has become Introverted, temporarily anyway...due to the infamous Pandemic of 2020.  Now the calendar has turned, the vaccinations are rolling out, cases of COVID-19 are decreasing and there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, sometimes I still can't wrap my head around the concept of not shaking hands, not getting close for conversation and most of all NOT hugging your closest friends and family. As a "people person" and Extrovert, I am really starting to suffer. In the long run, I know I will be OK, but sometimes it feels like an uphill battle.

So in the process of waiting for "herd immunity" to be firmly established I have increased the time spent on solitary tasks and hobbies. I always enjoyed Facebook, but EGAD...I have to confess I have seen way too many cat videos and photos of: "try this new dessert!" I have had enough problems with putting on the pandemic pounds; that does not help. Yet, everyday I still keep scrolling. In small doses it is still a fun pastime when you can't have in person conversations.  Of course both of my blogs have had several  posts since this all began and I am happy to report I completed by book on the National Park Service.  OK...here is my shameless plug on that: available on Amazon: "A Walk in the Park...Journeys through our Nation's Greatest Treasures" . It was a fun book to research and write, and a good book if I do say so myself. (Would an Introvert say that? Hmmmm...) Here''s the link: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Park-Journeys-Greatest-Treasures/dp/1792837771/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+Walk+in+the+Park…Journeys+through+our+Nation%27s+Treasures&qid=1611349971&sr=8-1

I also have started a new quilt, which I am hopeful will be beautiful when complete. But I fear that as soon as my world starts opening up with my social activities, the quilt may be put by the wayside. Perhaps it will become a project for next winter, not a project for the next pandemic...let's hope there will never be another as awful as this.

Either way you perceive yourself, an Introvert or Extrovert....which ever side of the fence you lean, I thought this Clint Eastwood meme was great. Everyone can relate to that and it really brought me a chuckle. If I recall, I think that looks like his film Gran Torino. You can't help but like Clint...a classic.

In any case, there are both Extroverts and Introverts struggling to get through this particular time in our history. So many believe that Introverts are able to handle the isolation of this pandemic better then Extroverts.  But a recent study suggests the opposite, according to a Forbes article. The study, conducted by Virginia-based research consultancy, Greater Divide, surveyed 1,000 American adults and found that those who scored higher on the measure of extroversion were less likely to be experiencing mental health issues due to stay-at-home or quarantine measures.

Some experts contribute the surprising results to extroversion being associated with more positive emotions, optimism and resiliency, while introversion has been linked to more nervousness and fear. The uncertainty of this pandemic may be more difficult for introverts.While the study suggests that extroverts may be handling the pandemic better than expected, it does not mean they are immune to anxiety or stress from the stay-at-home order. Both personality traits have faced mental health challenges during the quarantine and are stressed in their own ways. That being said, it would be good to support each other, no matter what our personality traits may be....

Big changes are coming our way and I am thinking we have much to look forward to. Additionally, the fact that spring is right around the corner always brings folks a sunnier outlook.  Start planning those flower beds!😄        Julie E . Smith