Yeah, introvert. That’s me. Shy kid. Kindergarten. When it was “free choice” time (or whatever it was), I stood frozen in the middle of the circle until the teacher said, “KW, go to a table.”

First grade. I arrive at school before the bell rings. A giggling gaggle of girls goes inside the school *anyway*. I am not disliked by them, I’m just not “part” of them. I enter the school a bit after them. I am alone. The janitor is walking by. “You. Out!”, he says. I slink back out. For all I know, he had found the gaggle and kicked them out some other door but still.

Always nervous about speaking in front of groups. And talking to boyz I was attracted to. Paralyzed about job interviews. Well, I’m sure I am STILL paralyzed about job interviews but it’s now a moot point because I don’t have to do them any more. Somehow I could play my flute in front of people. Not sure why that was different. I was nervous but not anywhere near paralyzed.

So the definition of “introvert” has been shifting in the last few years. What? Introverts actually LIKE people? Who knew? I know. I do like people. I love to cackle away with my friends. I just don’t do well in big groups of them. So interacting with lots of people tires introverts? Yes yes yes yes!

I hate the pandemic and I am horrified that my own state of Michigan is struggling with yet another spike. Our governor tried to shut things down early on and a bunch of nincompoops actually tried to kidnap her. She (aka the state health department) should be shutting things down again. I support her and know why she is reticent about this.

All that said, the pandemic has not been terrible for us introverts. I get to interact with work folks and friends from my computer. Presentations are still hard but we manage them well. We may someday meet in conference rooms but for now, a year into this pandemic crapola, we are doing fine.

Gaggle or not, I have had good friends throughout my life, probably even some of the gaggle girls. I do very well at “safe” parties, like family parties, etc.

DISCLAIMER: Again, I know that I can enjoy working from home during the pandemic because my employer has encouraged this and because they pay me enough that I can afford to get groceries and other supplies delivered or curbside. This is not easy for anyone who has to work in person or who can’t afford to buy food.

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