While some “stress” and try to somehow adapt to the confusion, others find advantages in the situation for themselves. It seems that these people are not afraid of the future — they enjoy the present.
They don’t fuss or even get nervous. On the contrary, they benefit from the current situation and find some special meaning in it. Some became calmer, others more attentive, others more confident than ever. For some, for the first time in their lives, they felt less alone, confused, and wary.
Obviously, many are perplexed: “How can this be? Are these people so heartless and selfish that they take pleasure in watching others suffer, worry and try to make ends meet? Definitely not. In fact, most of those who feel good now are highly sensitive natures, not indifferent to the pain of others, inclined to put the needs of their neighbors above their own.
Who are they and why do they behave the way they do?
1. People with chronic missed opportunity syndrome (FOMO — Fear Of Missing Out). They have a feeling that all the best happens without them. They look around and see how everyone around is laughing and enjoying life. They constantly think that others live more interesting and more fun. And when almost all the inhabitants of the planet are locked at home, you can relax: now they don’t miss anything.
2. People who think no one cares about them. Those who were deprived of parental attention in childhood often feel as if they are alone in the world. Sometimes the feeling of loneliness is so addictive that it becomes quite comfortable. Perhaps during the global crisis you are really alone, but you endure it better than others. Perhaps reality finally reflects your inner state and partly confirms that this is normal.
3. People accustomed to difficulties from childhood. Children who are raised in unpredictable, volatile environments often have to make adult decisions, so they grow up ready for anything.
From an early age, they involuntarily get used to being constantly on the alert. Such people are able to instantly concentrate in conditions of uncertainty, act quickly and decisively, and rely only on themselves. With a solid set of pandemic survival skills, they feel extremely focused and confident.
4. People who crave extreme experiences. Overly emotional natures, which literally become numb without thrills, are now bathed in a sea of vivid emotions. Some people really need unusual, even extreme experiences to be truly alive. Emergencies, dangers, upheavals beckon them, and all this came with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now they feel at least something, because even negative emotions are better than a complete vacuum.
5. Introverts to the core. Convinced stay-at-homes, who are always dragged somewhere and forced to communicate with people, breathed a sigh of relief. You can no longer adapt to a fussy society, from now on everyone adapts to them. New rules have been adopted, and these are the rules of introverts.
6. Those who had a hard time even without a pandemic. There are many people in the world who faced serious life difficulties and ordeals long before the pandemic broke out. The current situation has given them the opportunity to take a breath.
The familiar world suddenly collapsed, nothing could be solved or fixed. But since everyone has problems, to some extent it became easier for them. It’s not a matter of gloating, it’s just that they are somewhat comforted by a sense of belonging. After all, who is now easy?
7. Anxious personalities who have been anticipating disaster for years. Anxiety often provokes an irrational fear of unforeseen tragic events. Therefore, some all the time expect some kind of trouble and try to protect themselves from any negative experiences.
Well, we’ve arrived. Something that everyone feared and no one expected happened. And these people stopped worrying: after all, what they had been preparing for all their lives happened. Surprisingly, instead of shock, there was relief.
What does all this mean
If any of the above applies to you, even to a small extent, you are probably overcome by guilt. You probably think that it is wrong to feel good at such a time. Rest assured it is not!
Since we cannot choose our emotions, we should not reproach ourselves for having them. But it is in our power to direct them in a healthy direction. If you are collected, calm and balanced, take advantage of this state.
Most likely, you have more free time and less pressing matters. This is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, come to terms with childhood grievances that made you stronger, stop fighting the “wrong” feelings and just accept them as they are.
No one could have imagined that humanity would have to face such a severe test. And yet everyone deals with it in their own way. Who knows, suddenly this difficult time will turn in an incomprehensible way for your benefit?
About the Author: Jonis Webb is a clinical psychologist and author of Escape from the Void: How to Overcome Childhood Emotional Neglect.