Introverts, extroverts and lockdowns

Introverts are better equipped than extroverts to deal with the containment obligations but are keen to take advantage of the tools adopted by extroverts to stay connected!

Silence is golden!

Confronted with the imperative: "Stay at home", introverts seem to be well armed to make the most of the situation, including professionally, as they can count on their personal resources acquired since childhood (in the construction of personality, the preference between extroversion or introversion sets in around the age of 7).

To be convinced of this, all you have to do on Netflix is to dive into "Inside Bill's Brain”, a fascinating documentary that allows us to discover one of his strategies for regeneration: a week of reading in an isolated hut with a bag full of books with eclectic titles as a companion!

Described by Jung in 1921 in his book "The Psychological Types", introverts are, in fact, energized by their inner experiences. They have a vital need for intimacy, for time spent alone or with a restricted circle of people they are close to, which are key conditions for their reflection. They enjoy the world of ideas and concepts.

Practicing social distance is a blessing for them!

Freed from the constraints of socialization, they see a lockdown as an opportunity to concentrate, structure their ideas, write, express their sensitivity and creativity and reveal all their talents. Protected by the screen of telework they dare and when a break is needed, applications to practice meditation, yoga or foreign languages are a joy for them.

Extroverts are much less comfortable these days!

It's difficult for them to be self-sufficient, to establish a work discipline, to be energized and motivated without the relational fuel. Deprived of the stimuli of the outside world, they feel sorry for themselves, they wither away. Fortunately, Teams, Zoom, Slack, FaceTime, Skype...come to their rescue! They are the first to install them, they use and abuse them, and it's hard to turn off the microphone. Listening is not enough for them. Via these platforms, they satisfy their need to express themselves, to seek the attention of others. Instead of written messages, they definitely prefer phone calls and videos, in which they put themselves on stage, and thus continue to captivate their audience.

Again, according to Jung's definition, extroverts draw their energy from interaction with the environment and relationship with others. They are energized by external contacts and requests. They enjoy participating in group activities. They are enthusiastic, express their emotions, don't hesitate to break the ice! They value the variety of experiences, change and novelty.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they are the ones who multiply initiatives to make isolation bearable: working groups, themed sharing groups, coffee, group sports classes, Friday afternoon aperitif...all in virtual mode. Introverts then willingly join them, otherwise what would be their impact on the world from their confined universe? 

And at nightfall, when it's time to pay tribute to the remarkable work of the medical staff, they're all out on the balcony!