a woman works on a laptop while sitting in the grass
Melissa Petro.
  • Melissa Petro is a freelance writer who considers herself an extrovert.
  • To combat loneliness, she works daily from a café near her children's school.
  • She also leans on other writers and online communities for support and socialization.

When I worked an office job at the start of my career, I took the engaging conversations I had with my coworkers for granted. I was constantly interacting with other people and felt compelled to collaborate.

Similarly, the years I taught art to elementary-school kids tapped into my talkative and outgoing nature.

Even as a full-time stay-at-home parent, I rarely stayed at home. My kids and I were always at the busiest of playgrounds, where I naturally gravitated toward other gregarious moms.