Quirkyalone

Quirkyalone is a neologism referring to someone who enjoys being single (but is not opposed to being in a relationship) and generally prefers to be alone rather than dating for the sake of being in a couple.

Magazine publisher Sasha Cagen came up with the term "quirkyalone" on a Brooklyn subway platform on New Year's Eve, 1999.[1] She expanded the concept into an essay in the first issue of her magazine To-Do List.[2] When the article was republished in the Utne Reader in 2000, Cagen was surprised by the fervor of responses from readers who felt their lives had been validated by her work.[2] As a result of these responses, Cagen opted to expand her essay into a 2004 book, titled Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics.[3]

International Quirkyalone Day is February 14[4] and was chosen as an alternative to "the marketing barrage" of Valentine's Day.[5] It started in 2003 as a "celebration of romance, freedom and individuality". Celebrations of the holiday have been noted in the United States, Australia, Canada,[6] and the United Kingdom.[2]

The Quirkys are annual awards similar to the Oscars in such categories as Best Quirkyalone Movie of 2004, Best Quirkyalone TV Show of 2004, Best Quirkyalone Book of 2004, Lifetime Quirkyalone Achievement Award, and others.

See also

References

  1. ^ Hoggard, Liz (2001-02-01). "Are you single or a 'quirkyalone'?". guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2004/feb/01/society. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 
  2. ^ a b c Finch, Amy (2004-02-13). "News & Features". www.bostonphoenix.com. http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/03595803.asp. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 
  3. ^ Cagen, Sasha (2004). Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060578985. http://books.google.com/books?id=FCRPSXZ6EbUC.  (2004) ISBN 0-06-057898-X.
  4. ^ Garafola, Nick (2003-02-05). "International Quirkyalone Day". Utne Reader Magazine. http://www.utne.com/2003-02-01/InternationalQuirkyaloneDay.aspx. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 
  5. ^ McKay, Mary Jane (2003-02-13). "Alone? Celebrate Anyway, How About Anti-Valentine's Day? Or Quirkyalone Day ? - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/13/valentine/main540491.shtml. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 
  6. ^ Alletto, Michelle M.. Intentionally Single How Quirkyalones Are Challenging the Status Quo. Clamor Magazine. http://clamormagazine.org/issues/35-5/content/sex_3.php. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 

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