I agree with others who say this is not about social anxiety/fear. I'm pretty much a committed introvert, yet I was a social worker for 30 years. I don't have problems interacting with people, I'm actually considered a very good listener (good thing for social workers) but I relish my "alone time". I do NOT like large crowds but I am able to be in one if I need to, without fear or anxiety beyond being anxious to be OUT of the crowd.

I don't have a desire to be an extrovert. I don't have a wish to be dependent on social contacts for my own satisfaction and sense of well being. "Quarantine" has not been distressing to me, not seeing another person all day is not "lonely" for me, not going out in public is rather peaceful. Watching the "liberate" people carry on about how they need to go out to eat, get a haircut, go to the gym, baffles me.

It isn't a "choice" I made, to be an introvert. It came as naturally as handedness, talent or sexual orientation. I could change those things if I worked at it but the person I would be afterward would not be "ME". I can "act" like an extrovert, mixing with a group, appearing outgoing. I have learned how to do that but it never really fits me and I know it for what it is, an "act".

I imagine you've looked into exposure therapy, but in case not, please do so. It's a tremendous help, especially in conjunction with a good CBT routine and a trusted person to anchor you when it gets too rough.

More power to you... I'm an ambivert...

I don't want to stop being an introvert. I don't like most extroverts.