When the world began to lock down in early 2020 due to Covid-19, the concept of quarantine was new and challenging for most people. However, for some of us, this so-called "quarantine" was surprisingly familiar. For introverts like me, the stay-at-home routine wasn’t a big change. What the world called quarantine, I realized, was just my normal lifestyle. Living an introvert quarantine lifestyle had me questioning whether I was doing something wrong—or if I was simply built for this kind of life.
The Introvert Quarantine Lifestyle: What Changed?
Corona hit the Netherlands around January 2020. Other countries like China and Italy were already facing chaos. By mid-March, the Dutch government introduced quarantine measures to control the spread of Covid-19. Schools, offices, and shops closed, and only essential workers were allowed out. Everyone was urged to stay at home. The streets emptied, and for many, life came to a halt.
But not for me. I was already living this way. As part of my introvert quarantine lifestyle, I was used to staying home. I’ve had my groceries delivered for over a year because of my physical limitations. Working from home? Been doing that for over two years. My daily life didn’t change much: breakfast in the kitchen, lunch with housemates, a walk in the park, and quiet nights of drawing or watching a movie.
Questioning Normal: Is My Life Already Quarantine?
At first, the term "quarantine" made me feel like something was wrong. I thought everything would change drastically, just like the stories of anxiety and claustrophobia that were flooding social media. But as I followed the government’s guidelines—washing hands, maintaining 1.5 meters of distance, staying home unless necessary—I realized I didn’t need to adjust much at all.
This sparked doubt. "Is my life already quarantine?" I wondered. “Am I weird for being okay with this? Is it strange that I’m at home so much?” It bothered me enough to keep me up at night. The next day, I called my dad, overwhelmed by these questions. I asked him, “Am I weird?” His response was a relief. He explained that everyone experiences life differently. I’m an introvert, someone who enjoys solitude and small, meaningful interactions. While some people thrive in social environments, I get drained by group activities. My preference for staying in wasn’t wrong—it was just how I’ve adapted to life.
Accepting My Introverted Quarantine Life
My dad’s words helped me see that there’s no "normal" way to live. What might feel restrictive to someone who loves parties, traveling, and big gatherings was just everyday life for me. And that’s perfectly fine.
Whether you're someone who finds quarantine unbearable or someone whose life didn’t change much, both experiences are valid. When they call your normal lifestyle quarantine, it’s just a reminder that we’re all different—and that’s okay.