Keep in mind I’ve been married – happily – for 11 years, this is coming as a surprise to me as I am just hearing about this for the first time today…
I was stuck in a rut trying to conjour up lovey-dovey ideas for the upcoming Valentine’s Day when I came across something fun: http://despair.com/bittersweets.html. Sweethearts with not-so-sweet sayings.
After sharing my finding around the office, the younglings around me informed me of Singles Awareness Day….and they had a bit to say about Singles Awareness Day.
For those of us who are love-struck and lucky-in-love, it seems we’re missing out on something. Something big. There seems to be a whole ton of fun for the opposite of the lovey-dovey Valentine’s Holiday….the Anti-Valentine’s Day, Un-Valentine Day, Anti-Valentine’s Day, Singles Awareness Day and Quirkyalone Day.
Singles Awareness Day (SAD) is a humorous holiday celebrated on February 14. It’s an alternative to Valentine’s Day for those who are single, or not involved romantically. It’s also a reason to head out for dinner, drinks, and commisserating with others celebrating the same holiday.
Then there’s Quirkyalone Day.
According to Wikipedia, “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.Cagen was surprised by the fervor of responses from readers who felt their lives had been validated by her work. As a result of these responses, Cagen opted to expand her essay into a 2004 book, titled Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics.
“International Quirkyalone Day is February 14 and was chosen as an alternative to “the marketing barrage” of Valentine’s Day. 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, and the United Kingdom.
“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.”
Who knew?