I don't think everyone who stays indoors and avoids social gatherings is doing so because they enjoy being alone. Sometimes, people are not introverts by choice, their financial situation has simply made socialising difficult for them.
Think about someone who used to love going out, hanging out with friends, attending events and exploring new places. Now imagine that same person gradually withdrawing from all these activities, not because their personality has changed, but because they can no longer afford to keep up.
The truth is that socialising requires money, even when we don't want to admit it. You might get an invitation to hang out with friends, and you genuinely want to go, but then you remember your account balance. You start thinking about transportation, food, what to wear and other little expenses. Suddenly, what should have been a simple outing becomes something you have to think twice about.
You decline the invitation, and when another one comes, you decline again. Eventually, you stop getting invited because people assume you are not interested. You also stop making plans because you already know your pocket cannot support them.
Before you realise it, staying indoors becomes your normal lifestyle. The funny thing is that you might actually miss going out. You miss laughing with friends, visiting new places, taking pictures and having those random moments that make life interesting. You want to be outside, but you cannot afford to be outside.
And because you don't want people to know that money is the reason behind your absence, you simply keep to yourself. Sometimes, you even pretend that you enjoy staying indoors when deep down, you wish things were different.
This is why I feel we should be careful about labelling everyone who avoids social gatherings as an introvert. Some people genuinely enjoy their privacy and prefer their own company, and that is perfectly fine. But there are also people whose financial struggles have gradually pushed them away from social activities.
Poverty doesn't only affect what you can buy or the kind of lifestyle you can afford. Sometimes, it also affects your social life, your confidence and the experiences you get to enjoy.
Imagine having the desire to live, explore and make memories but constantly having to remind yourself that you cannot afford it. With time, you might stop trying altogether.
So, maybe that friend who hardly comes around isn't proud, boring or naturally antisocial. Maybe they just don't have the money to show up. Sometimes, what looks like introversion from the outside is simply poverty hiding behind a quiet lifestyle.
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