An introvert's life in lockdown

Orin Carlin -

By Orin Carlin, The Croft Editor

The Croft Magazine // Lockdown's impact affects people in very different ways. Orin considers the specific effects it has on introverted students.

Lockdown! It’s the introvert’s dream – well it’s this introvert’s dream, anyway.

Socially, I have adapted alarmingly well to the government restrictions, all things considered. My heart bursts every single time I think about no longer having to drag myself out of bed for my 9am – a cool seven minutes will see me showered, dressed and ready to go, sans the awkward pre-lecture chat. Bliss.

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As an introvert, naturally, my arch nemesis is Zoom (see also: breakout rooms). The feeling is mutual. My soul itches with discomfort when I see the calendar notification pop up and in return, Zoom sporadically decides to crash when I’m (reluctantly) engaging in a socially important interaction.

I genuinely have to dedicate ten minutes before and after to steeling myself up for and decompressing from the godawful call. If you didn't give birth to me, I am under no legal obligation to admit you a video call. Take note!

My best advice for dealing with video calls is keeping an object to hand. When the conversation gets painful, your certified remedy will be a tea that you can pensively stir or a pen that you can click and raise, poised over notes that you will absolutely not be making.

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All jokes aside, I desperately miss my mates. Just because I’m quite happy to eliminate contact with the rest of society from my lifestyle, doesn’t mean I don’t ache for a night in the pub with my nearest and dearest. Keep in touch with those you’re closest to, which I admit is easier said than done.

If, like me, you’re allergic to video calling then I think it might be time to turn back the clocks and brave the humble pen and paper. There’s very little to fear, except being on the receiving end of my shocking handwriting.

Featured image: Epigram / Rosie Angel-Clark