In the normal world, we interacted with strangers every day — the taxi driver, the Uber pool co-rider, the barista. At work, we were encouraged to be interactive, collaborative, friendly. In the lift, you chatted with Harish (is that his name?) from accounting or Tanya from HR.
All this came naturally to a majority of people. For one slice, it was uncomfortable every time. Introverts have long wished they could just get on with it, without having to smile, nod, chat, party, share plates and discuss types of coffee. In the pandemic, they finally have the upper hand.
“In the pandemic, they get to focus on themselves, and live life without the frills,” says psychologist Nisha Khanna. “Now they have the space to dive into their work, and the things they like to do. Set up a routine any way they like.”
By definition, introverts are energised by spending time alone. Unlike extroverts, they draw their energy from time away from the noise of engagement with other…