I think 7 days with no human connection whatsoever would be difficult for anyone. However, I consider texting, social media and online games valid human connection. Frankly, I may even consider single player games or reading books human connection (as far as social needs are concerned), as you’re still interacting with a human creation and ideas.
True social isolation is nightmarish to me. But I’m pretty extroverted, anyways.
Is that really hard for an extrovert to be 7 days alone?
A really good way I’ve heard it put is that introverts expend emotional energy on social interaction, and recharge it through isolation. Extroverts are the exact opposite. So if you imagine being forced to interact with other people non-stop for seven days, with no chance to have any alone time, and that’s what this person was putting themselves through.
This metaphor also handily explains the difference between “introvert” and “antisocial.” I love being around my friends, in the same way that some people love swimming. But just like swimming it’s very tiring. Even Olympic swimmers can’t swim all the time. So it’s not that I don’t like you, it’s just that I’m exhausted and if I keep going I’ll drown.
(Asocial not Antisocial - Anti-social is purposeful action of hostility towards people. Asocial is the purposeful avoidance of social interactions.)
I have three fucking cats I drag around the world with me because of the fucking pandemic. Just glad I finally have the resources in my life to actually do that now. But god-damn it’s expensive
