Surviving Social Distancing – as an Extrovert

It’s truly encouraging to see our country step up and think of their fellow Americans. Self-isolating, social distancing, washing our hands…all good! However, for true extroverts, social distancing is tough. As the President of a Chamber of Commerce, my job IS people. And, I love it! But, in our changed reality, these large gatherings, small gatherings, meetings, events, etc. have to change. Chambers are now all sharing ideas on how to keep our businesses running, providing information about how they can tap into funds and loans from the state and federal governments, and how to keep their employees safe and paid. We’re now acting as a central source of information and resources – which is awesome.

But, back to that social distancing – extroverts don’t know quite what to do. Quiet, solo endeavors are not are forte….we LIKE to be around lots of people. This is where I  identify with the Italians. Loved that they were still singing and making music and waving at their neighbors – from the windows of their homes.

From all the news and articles I’ve read, heard and have been inundated with, my conclusion is that we can still do some “social nearing” – my term for needing to see a friend or a couple of friends to say hi. I’m not talking about my normal, let’s get together a group and go out. But, If you aren’t sick, know the people you want to see aren’t sick  - or have someone they will interact with who in a vulnerable population, and you wash your hands and bring hand sanitzer with you (if you have it) - I will need to see my friends. And, I’ll probably do it by supporting my local restaurants or bars by ordering take out (with a hefty tip in there for the waitstaff) to support them as well.  (Old-fashioned phone calls work really well to stay in touch, too -- just clean your phone first!) These are strange times and it is a balance between new normalcy and life.

The biggest thing for all of us to remember, (and this is the optimist in the extrovert) is that this is not forever. The coronavirus will peak, we’re all working to flatten the curve (thank you public health and healthcare organizations) and our amazing scientists will find a cure or vaccine to go forward. Be kind, be helpful and be understanding. It’s what we can do right now! Please reach out to the chamber if we can be of help or if you have questions www.westmetrochamber.org

(Also, I’ve decided to take up knitting again – anyone need a new scarf, or three?)