The Importance of Good Company

I’ve at all times considered myself as a basic introvert.

I’m completely content material spending time by myself. I would like area to recharge after social occasions. I usually discover massive gatherings overwhelming.

And but… I’ve been social distancing for simply over two weeks now, and I miss being round different folks. Actually miss it.

(For context: I’m dwelling with my dad and mom and brother whereas I save for a flat deposit, and I’m very glad to be with them whereas the coronavirus pandemic is going on. By different folks, I imply my prolonged household, my associates, and my co-workers.)

It hit me the primary time my associates and I did our first group video name, the place we spent plenty of time saying how bizarre every little thing was. And it actually hit me yesterday once we had an all-company Google Hangout, and I used to be delighted to listen to acquainted voices that didn’t belong to my shut household. Not that I don’t love them!

Usually, I’d break up my week between the next: workplace, working from dwelling, fitness center, pub/pub quiz with associates, walks, one thing enjoyable on the weekend, and downtime. Having downtime has at all times been vital to me, as a result of I don’t operate very nicely after I’m drained and drained—I get ratty and need to eat every little thing in sight. However take away most of these actions, and there’s not a lot to recuperate from within the first place.

I’m not complaining that we’ve got to social distance. The earlier everybody stays inside, the earlier issues will return to regular, though I don’t assume issues will ever be fairly the identical. Even when we’re not weak, we’ve got an obligation to guard those that are.

What I’m making an attempt to say is that in my eagerness to class myself as an introvert, I didn’t realise simply how vital good firm is to me. The evenings spent hooting with laughter within the pub when my associates and I puzzle our manner via that week’s quiz. A meal shared with family members. Chats within the kitchen at work (a welcome break within the day). Getting a raise from one in all my co-workers and catching up on what’s occurring of their lives. Seeing my aunts after they’ve obtained time, and having cuddles with the canine. I received’t be taking this stuff as a right once more.

I imply, I’m certain there’ll come a day when somebody will say “Bear in mind once we had been on lockdown?!” and it’ll really feel like a distant reminiscence. However I’d wish to assume that this time will make us recognize on a regular basis life that little bit extra*.

How are you discovering life on lockdown? Let me know within the feedback.

*And I additionally hope that this time means the NHS and its staff get the funding they want, and supposedly ‘low-skilled’ staff get the respect and salaries they deserve. They’re important and ought to be compensated as such.