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JohnMakin 2 hours ago

Due to existing health concerns, I self isolated in my home from the start of the covid outbreak in 2020, until spring 2021 when the first vaccines became broadly available. I only recall leaving a handful of times to pick up medicine when delivery wasn't an option, but other than that, almost no venturing into the outside world other than the few steps on my front porch to grab deliveries and groceries.

I learned a lot about myself. I love being alone, more than most people, but after a few months I did start to feel I was going a bit crazy. This was made worse by the fact at that point in my life I had a big drop off in friend groups (mostly people getting married/moving/having kids/etc.) My health and hygiene definitely suffered. What was the tipping point for me, and I'm still unsure to this day, but I felt I was having auditory hallucinations (mostly hearing my name). I ended up joining a group video-chat app that pitched itself as unofficial group therapy, and things improved a lot. It was this way I learned I'm not actually an extreme introvert like my doctor liked to tell me I was, and consider myself far more extroverted than I used to since this experience. Since then I make an effort to socialize once a week even if I really don't feel like it.

himata4113 43 minutes ago | parent [-]

Seems pretty similar to be. I do not like people, but I don't dislike talking to people.

Speculation: What you actually like is independence, not being bound by others or being chained by those around you - the feeling of freedom. However, it does make you go a bit crazy so I do recommend getting at least something to take care of like a pet or even some plants since humanity historically relies on a purpose and the lack of it has pretty severe side effects. By chaining yourself and getting something to take care of is an easy way to make it less impactful while still experiencing that freedom.