For years I hated being an introvert. There are many misconceptions about the introvert personality and it usually gets a bad rap. Introverts are oftentimes seen as rude, cold and antisocial. As an introvert myself, I can say these are myths. We’re perceived as rude because we tend to be quiet and reserved.

As blogger and fellow introvert Jenn Granneman said, “A lot of times people jump to the conclusion that if you’re quiet, it’s something malicious or rude or you don’t like them.”

Staying home and following social distancing guidelines can be hard to follow. Especially for an extroverted person it may seem like the end of the world. While extroverts may be feeling miserable, quarantine has been an easier transition for introverts. 

Luckily my introversion has prepared me for times like this without even realizing it. Not to brag but I have been practicing social distancing before it was even a thing.

Don’t get me wrong I wish this pandemic was over, I really do. It has been over a year since the whole crisis began. Now, more than ever, introverts have shown their resilience and ability to adapt. 

Because we’re currently doing classes virtually now it has allowed us to work from the comfort of our homes, which has allowed many introverts, including myself, to excel on assignments. I much rather work alone than with a group of people. A full day of classes was just too mentally draining.

Another thing that is great about being an introvert during the pandemic is that I no longer have to feel bad about canceling plans and other social activities. Small talk and parties full of strangers is something I definitely don’t miss. Even without social activities, relationships with close friends and family members have gotten stronger. 

Introverts tend to be better at listening than speaking according to Beth Buelow, author of The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms. “We only speak when we have something to say, so there is a higher chance that we will have an impact with our words,” she said. 

Being a good listener is something that is hard to come across these days but it’s a great feeling to be able to connect and be that for someone especially when you can’t see them as often as you’d like. 

Having more time to myself has given me the opportunity to pick up old and new hobbies like painting, photography and baking. It has allowed me to explore my creativity and be more self aware.

“Highly creative people in the arts and sciences need to reflect, to think, to create, which is typically done alone,” explains Gregory Feist, associate professor of psychology at San Jose University. “[Introverts] are not bothered by being alone, in fact, they actually seek it out,” he adds.

Even though it may seem like everything has slowed down around us it has also been a productive year full of growth and challenges.