How To Manage Social Distancing If You Are An Extrovert Couple?

The pandemic situation that we are all currently living in, seems something out of a Sci-Fi / Horror movie or a real-life ‘Truman Show’ where we are trapped in a simulation. Adjusting to life indoors while being plagued with worry about a life-threatening infection can truly take a toll on you. Factors such as lack of social activity, limited non-essential travel, work from home stress, managing household chores, reduced exercise, etc. just add more fuel to the fire. Your personality plays an equally important role in how you adapt to and thrive in the new normal.

To discuss this we need to know two major Myers and Briggs® personality types namely - Extraversion (E) and (Introversion I).

The Myers-Briggs® Personality Type Indicator or MBTI® is a renowned assessment designed to identify the personality type, preferences and strengths of an individual. Inspired by Carl Jung's theory of personality types, the mother daughter duo of  Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers had developed this assessment. At present, the Myers-Briggs® Personality Type Indicator is one of the most popular psychological instruments globally.

Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)

It’s the orientation where we focus our attention and get energy from. For example, extroverts get their energy from the outer world and interaction with people, while introverts get it from self-reflection. 

While self-isolating may seem like a cakewalk for introverts, it is more like a ‘forced time-out’ for extroverts. To say that social distancing might be challenging for extroverts is the understatement of the year. Being the social butterflies that they are, extroverts are finding it harder to adjust to the new routine as they feel invigorated from being around people. The fear, boredom, loneliness and anger stemming from the current freak-show of a situation can amplify when there are two extroverts under one roof. Hence to cope with these trying times, here are a few tips to extrovert couples. 

• Acknowledge the elephant in the room
  

When you are struck with boredom or feeling mentally exhausted, be vocal about the same with your partner and ever so often, take some ‘venting time’ out. Deal with your issues head-on by opening up about your insecurities and vulnerabilities without any hesitation. Focus more on the positives than dwelling excessively on how bad things are, to avoid co-rumination. Instead of finding faults and judging each other, try to be more attentive and understanding of each other’s needs and find an articulate solution for the problem at hand. 

• Structure work from home routine
  

No daily commute, no formal meetings, no dress code. Work from home may seem like a dream but it’s far from it. Household chores and various other distractions are also added to the mix now, blurring the lines between personal and professional. It is necessary for extroverted couples to structure their work routine and conference calls in a way that allows them to have a meal together, pursue shared interests together, or simply cosy up to each other over conversations and coffee. 

• Give yourself some much needed TLC (Tender Loving Care)
  

Practice physical distancing from people, but be careful about your personal, physical and mental health. Due to social distancing, outdoor activities may be on hold temporarily. But being the extroverts that you are, awaken your innate spirit of adventure and experiment with different pursuits. Being glued to laptops and phones 24/7 can have a negative impact on your health. So utilize this downtime wisely by not turning into a couch potato and focus on your well-being. 

Step out of the house for a brisk walk, sweat it off with some home cardio workout routine, practice meditation or yoga, pick up a new skill, whip up a new dish in the kitchen, spruce or switch up your home interiors, turn your living room into a karaoke bar or dance your heart out to groovy music. Things to keep you active and going are aplenty. Shift the spotlight to domains other than work, such as family, bonding with your partner, self-care, spirituality, etc. Indulge in things that help you relax and give you true joy as a couple.

• Make Tech your ally 

To relieve that cabin fever, leverage the power of technology to connect with family and friends virtually.  While nothing can beat the social connections we share in real life, connecting with your loved ones online through various video calling apps like Zoom, Skype or House Party, holding a virtual game night or a Netflix binge-watch party can bring a sense of togetherness and still help you socialize and feel less lonely.

• Self-reflect through reading/journaling 

Extroverts thrive in a fast-paced environment. But the pandemic has shattered routines left, right and centre and upended our lives. While self-isolating with your partner and having limited contact with the outside world seem overwhelming, this time should be used by extrovert couples to introspect rather than driving each other up the walls. 

Setting some boundaries and spending a little time apart can help you and your partner recharge and reconnect with your individual selves. Channel your energies in a constructive manner by journaling your thoughts or self-reflect with a motivational read. These activities can also help in minimising and managing conflicts better.

To sum it all up, the tips given above can help extrovert couples to be more flexible and open to change and be mindful of each other’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In these sensitive times, extrovert couples should draw their energies from each other. A further understanding of personality types through Myers-Briggs® Type Indicator can provide couples with more clarity and help them understand and communicate better with each other.