Lockdown: why I’m not scared of loneliness.
What makes me an introvert.
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Who is an introvert?
According to Google:
An introvert is often thought of as a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful individual. They don't seek out special attention or social engagements, as these events can leave introverts feeling exhausted and drained.
“As an introvert, you can be your own best friend or your worst enemy. The good news is we generally like our own company, a quality that extroverts often envy. We find comfort in solitude and know how to soothe ourselves.” ~ Laurie Helgoe.
Thank you Laurie Helgoe, I love that quote. I find comfort in solitude. I feel distracted when I am not alone.
Since the beginning of lockdown in my city, many people have called me to know how I am doing. My mom, siblings and my friends, all have called me, almost everyday. My colleagues have also checked on me. Anytime they call, the first question they ask is "You are alone, how are you coping? "I am ok" I usually reply them. Many of them don't know that I'm an introvert. I am not scared of staying alone.
I was brought up in an environment that's more or less a solitary place. A well gated house that once you enter inside, you lock the gate. I didn't have much opportunity to mingle with people. As time went by, it became part of me. Then I could stay at home for weeks without neighbors knowing. And if they eventually see me, the question would be, "when did you come back? Thinking that I travelled.
Then I was in high school. Many of my classmates wanted to visit me but I turned their request down. I detested crowded place. I detested visiting friends and family members, something that is still happening now, lol. Sometimes, I felt that I was not doing the right thing.
This is 2020, those altitudes are now part of me. I have come to realise that many people cannot stay indoor for four days, they can't do without hanging out with family and friends. Staying at home for four weeks is like a hard pill given to them to swallow.
One of the advantages of staying at home or staying alone is that it gives room for creativity, new ideas flow, and you have the time to connect with your inner self. There are ideas that naturally come when someone is alone. Listening to what a bird has to say, the crows of cocks and sounds from the movements of little animals like rats, lizards, fowl, etc, most times, bring out the creativity in man.
I don't feel lonely in this lockdown. I can stay indoor for days, especially when all I want are available in the house. I like surfing the internet. I can stay in it for hours without getting bored. I am an introvert. I enjoy staying alone than being in the crowd.
