FAQ

Q. Can the quirkyalone be a man?

A. Yes, yes, yes! Men can be quirkyalone. It's worth pointing out, however, that our culture is already rife with archetypes for male loners: Odysseus, Western cowboy, geek, James Dean, solitary indie-rock boy, etc. The scant few labels that describe a woman alone are pejorative: spinster and old maid. For this very strategic reason, we often use the feminine pronoun for quirkyalone to create a positive alternative for women. Men should not feel left out. You too are an important part of our community.

In the book, please see the page, "Attention Men: You Are Not Forgotten!" for more on gender issues within the quirkyalone nation.

Q. Does this fundamental quality preclude me from meeting "the one?" Will I be so choosy that I will always be alone?

A. Vexing, for sure. Many of us obsess on this very question. Don't despair. Despairing never helps. Being quirkyalone may, in fact, help you in the search for love. You won't waste years in mediocre relationships, and the training you receive alone is valuable no matter what course your life takes. As many self-help authors note, being comfortable on your own is a crucial foundation for intimacy with another person.

Q. How do you spell this word? Is it hyphenated?

A. NO! A hyphen is neither desirable nor necessary when writing the word "quirkyalone." A quirkyalone is not simply a quirky person who happens to be alone. Like the German word "zeitgeist" ("zeit" meaning time, and "geist" meaning spirit), "quirky" and "alone" fuse together in a word that draws upon its constituent parts to create a new meaning.

Q. I know someone who is constantly hooking up but doesn't get into relationships. Is she quirkyalone?

A. Good question. If your friend's standards for companionship are very high, but for a Saturday night fling, very low, she goes by another name. This person is a quirkyslut, and she should wear this title proudly.

Q. Can couples come to International Quirkyalone Day events?

A. Absolutely! Couples are not only welcome—they are encouraged to attend. There is no ban on a quirkyalone being in a relationship, and many of us are. International Quirkyalone Day is for everyone: single, partnered, married, divorced, celibate, or polyamorous.