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I don't think the extent to which people feel comfortable socialising stays constant. I'm naturally introverted, and with a few exceptions I find being in other

I don't think the extent to which people feel comfortable socialising stays constant. I'm naturally introverted, and with a few exceptions I find being in other people's company exhausting - however I'm not a complete loner, and do enjoy it in smallish doses. It's as if I have a "level of fitness" socially. In my head, I consider that "forcing" myself to go to social events maintains this fitness. Now think of the pandemic lockdown. It could have caused introverts to have lost their social fitness entirely.

gkhartman 2y ago
I've noticed this as well. I think it's a pretty good analogy. That realization came after being homeschooled for a few years as a teen. In my case, this meant less opportunity to socialize. After returning to public school, my "level of fitness" increased pretty quickly to way it's consider normal/healthy. The pandemic had similar effects that required a bit of effort to correct. Just like physical fitness, some need more/less exercise to stay fit. There will also be different preferences for were that exercise is done (at or outside the office).
ike2792 2y ago
This post resonated with me. I'm also naturally introverted but I've realized over the years (I'm in my 40s) that forcing myself to go out and be social regularly is ultimately good for me. I've noticed that my social skills have declined somewhat since COVID and now I feel a lot more mental "inertia" I have to push through if I want to go to a social event.
parpfish 2y ago
fitness is a good analogy, but it goes both ways. introverts need a little push to work the muscles that let you socialize and interact. extroverts need a little push to work the muscles that let you sit quietly and contemplate. hopefully society doesn't succumb to one side dominating so half the people get to be lazy while the other half is constantly exercising. ideally everybody get a mix of exercise and rest.

gkhartman 2y ago

I've noticed this as well. I think it's a pretty good analogy. That realization came after being homeschooled for a few years as a teen. In my case, this meant less opportunity to socialize. After returning to public school, my "level of fitness" increased pretty quickly to way it's consider normal/healthy. The pandemic had similar effects that required a bit of effort to correct. Just like physical fitness, some need more/less exercise to stay fit. There will also be different preferences for were that exercise is done (at or outside the office).

ike2792 2y ago

This post resonated with me. I'm also naturally introverted but I've realized over the years (I'm in my 40s) that forcing myself to go out and be social regularly is ultimately good for me. I've noticed that my social skills have declined somewhat since COVID and now I feel a lot more mental "inertia" I have to push through if I want to go to a social event.

parpfish 2y ago

fitness is a good analogy, but it goes both ways. introverts need a little push to work the muscles that let you socialize and interact. extroverts need a little push to work the muscles that let you sit quietly and contemplate. hopefully society doesn't succumb to one side dominating so half the people get to be lazy while the other half is constantly exercising. ideally everybody get a mix of exercise and rest.