As You Return To "Normal" (aka, One Introvert's Plea)

There are a few things I would ask you to consider as you return to your "normal".

Forgetting the potential that your return is folly and that it is not yet safe to begin opening up the floodgates of network, there are still things to consider and contemplate.

This last year has demonstrated how extroverts very much dominate all conversations around what "normal" should be.  To me, as an introvert, this has very much given me the feeling that society does not consider me to be valid.  And that's fine.... but to my extrovert friends, I see you.  I've heard your explanations that it is human nature to not be like me... so, you know, that was lovely.  And to my introvert friends, know that you are valid, despite what the world (including your friends) may be proclaiming.

For those extroverts interested in seeing your introvert friends, perhaps you should consider how to change your approach with them as you try to coax them from their isolation.  Consider making your re-introduction of yourself low key, low energy, and low pressure.  A small gathering is ideal.  Consider also making it clear that you value their friendship and miss them specifically, not just seeing people. 

For those who are posting about wanting to give all the hugs, consider for a moment how that might impact your friends who are not as interested in that form of expression of affection.  Consider adding to your exuberant exaltations of how you will be hugging all of your friends upon sight that you will of course be asking for consent and perhaps that it will be limited to those who you think are into that sort of thing.  Also, keep in mind that your expression of interest in giving a hug may be pressure placed upon some, an unwelcome pressure that applies stress in an already stressful situation.

For those that are super excited to return to gatherings and exuberantly inviting friends and foregoing any precautions, you'll have to forgive those of us that are still watching the spread and are more skeptical about the position we all find ourselves in.  You should also be aware that some of us are watching, are not impressed, and, indeed, are taking notes.

For those that are gleefully announcing each activity "post pandemic", I feel I should remind you that we're not out of the pandemic yet.  We are very much still in the pandemic and if we're not careful, we may find that we extend the pandemic by quite a bit.  I know, I know, you're tired of hearing that and you're tired of the precautions and the CDC is trying to apply pressure to get people vaccinated in the only way they can think of and local governments are trying to get commerce and tourism going again so they can start taking in money and not provide assistance to those in need.... but wishing doesn't make something so and not paying attention to the situation doesn't make it go away.