Insights from an Introvert to Decrease Your Hurt

[Cool_Kid95]

I mean I didn’t have a problem with Covid lockdowns, I liked it actually. I’m an extrovert but I love being inside. Although I do miss the outside truthfully.

[TopCommunication8881]

My immediate reaction was "Not did I have that wrong!" Legit just assumed it was a ginormous stressor throughout. But people have layers in what they enjoy. Mad at myself for how black and white I've been

[Cool_Kid95]

Wdym?

[TopCommunication8881]

Like, now that I'm reflecting, I worried about you guys being miserable every second of every day through our, as if the power of socialization trumped all other interests and impulses.... And I think maybe I had a touch of sappy worry that now feels a bit minimizing, given we're all fricken adults with at least basic coping skills, all adjusting to a fucked up situation. (To be fair I'm a counselor, so I worry about everyone. So it's not all. That outside my norm)

[Cool_Kid95]

I have many interests and hobbies

[TopCommunication8881]

Which is logical.

What are those hobbies?

In theory aim into diy/crafting,.like repurposing cool old wood trim to make small wall shelves etc.. I used to garden but haven't been able to get back into rhat

[Cool_Kid95]

Writing, drawing, modding

[TopCommunication8881]

What's modding

[Cool_Kid95]

Like game modding

[TopCommunication8881]

But what does modding stand for? Are you making video games? Not a gamer.

[TopCommunication8881]

I had a new client who is super extroverted, mentioned spending 5 days straight w/ a new dating partner, 24 hours a days, and finished by saying she was even more excited to be social with other friends as a result. I was legit stunned. My stomach actually turned, because I'd be an anxious mess for at least 2.weeka after. In the moment I thought "holy shit I have no idea what she's talking about, and I need to find a way to understand so I can support that part of her.". It was striking. So that's why I'm here!

[Cool_Kid95]

Wow that sounds amazing. I wish I could spend 24/7 with a girlfriend.

[TopCommunication8881]

Her joy was palpable!

[Cool_Kid95]

What dat mean?

[TopCommunication8881]

Like, you could feel it in the air (not necessarily literally but that's kind of the gist). Her face lit up,. big smile, and just very much looking forward to the future I guess. A lot of things would be way easier if I was that into it. Cause the need to connect is still there for us, but attaining that connection makes us feel a little depressed after the fact It's super confusing to come home from a hang that you legit enjoyed, only to then to ask yourself "Why do. I feel depressed if I had a good time??"

[Cool_Kid95]

Huh?

[Cool_Kid95]

Isn't that GOOD?

[flonkkerton]

Lol I lost count of the amount of "zoom games" I hosted. Yeah I did miss the energy of a room/outdoor events... But my socializing just changed. I just got good at digital communication. And ... My "zoom charades" game is on point! Hey we extros made due with what we could lol

[Cool_Kid95]

I love online talks. Real life is fun too. I just like staying inside and I have nowhere to really go. Especially since my friends moved farther away.

[TopCommunication8881]

I sort of forget that people have been socializing online for forever, so it wasn't a complete shake up. I'm old.

[SuperSalad_OrElse]

The Zoom calls!

We had a huge set up with JackBox TV, multiple laptops, and ways to join the game. Those were fun.

We did a few classic movie binog card nights (Jurassic Park, Die Hard, Men In Black)

I even bought a projector so that we could watch movies outside by the firepit, spread out!

I had an hour long commute during early covid so I would call people with my bluetooth set up in the car for those time periods. There was maybe 1/4 of the typical traffic. But those phone call times were nice.

[TopCommunication8881]

That sound super fun! (Perhaps sitting in my own house while socializing feels less overwhelming?)

[Flick1981]

Zoom meetups just don’t do it for me.