International Quirkyalone Day is celebrated on February 14 every year in opposition to the more popular Valentine’s Day. Don’t worry — it’s not anti-romance. In fact, International Quirkyalone Day celebrates the best kind of romance: the kind that supports individuality. Whether you are happily single, in a solid partners-for-life relationship, or in one of those “it’s complicated” kinds of relationships, you can celebrate International Quirkyalone Day. The day can be celebrated by anyone who believes they can be whole alone, is comfortable with being on their own, and enjoys solid relationships that allow freedom. If you’re the kind of person who’s comfortable with solitude, whether you’re single or in a relationship, then you’re the kind of person International Quirkyalone Day is made for.
History of International Quirkyalone Day
International Quirkyalone Day was created in 2003 by Sasha Cagen, author of “Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics.” The uncommon term ‘Quirkyalone’ was coined by Cagen. She defined a ‘quirkyalone’ as “a person who can feel whole or aspire to feeling whole while being single and so prefers to wait for the right person to come along rather than dating indiscriminately: relishing equal doses of solitude and friendship; attracted to freedom and possibility.” It is a philosophy of personal contentment.Cagen believed that Valentine’s Day had become too commercialized, producing a watered-down version of romance that made people feel excluded. This was why she created Quirkyalone Day — a day of romance that leaves no one out.Sasha got the idea for the day when she was at a New Year’s Eve party and could not find anyone with whom to fulfill the new year’s kissing tradition. When she realized she wasn’t the only one, she had an epiphany.International Quirkyalone Day celebrates true romance — the kind that doesn’t need coupling to be complete. It shows that there are different types of love that we often ignore in our quest for finding an “other half.” The day preaches that there is no special “other half.” Rather, people are whole on their own. This way, romance is not about two incomplete souls wandering through life with the end goal of finding each other. Rather, it is about one fully whole person who finds other fully whole people that they can celebrate life with.According to the official Quirkyalone Facebook page, a quirkyalone is “a person who enjoys being single (or spending time alone) and so prefers to wait for the right person to come along rather than dating for the sake of dating.” Another definition provided by the same source defines it as “a person who can feel whole (or aspire to feel whole) being single and so prefers to wait for the right person to come along rather than dating indiscriminately; relishing equal doses of solitude and friendship; attracted to freedom and possibility.”What is clear from the themes of the holiday is that International Quirkyalone Day is not anti-valentine or anti-love. Rather, it focuses on self-worth and the fact that such worth need not be tied to a romantic partner. Regardless of relationship status, self-love and faith in oneself must come first.For single people, the day was created to remind you that you are okay on your own and that there are more types of love outside romantic love. For partnered people (‘quirkytogethers’), the day is a reminder that even in relationships, you are an individual who has value on your own.
International Quirkyalone Day timeline
The celebration of romance, Valentine’s Day, which is tied to the origins of International Quirkyalone Day, becomes popular in the Middle Ages.
Sasha Cagen creates the term ‘quirkyalone’ after attending a New Year’s Eve party and spends a year defining the term.
Cagen writes “Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics” as a guide for quirkyalones around the world.
Cagen leaves San Francisco to travel to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, where she promotes her book and the quirkyalone movement.
International Quirkyalone Day FAQs
How do you pronounce’ quirkyalone’?
Quirkyalone is a mixture of two words ‘quirky’ and ‘alone.’ The words are pronounced together as kwer-kee-uh-lown.
What are other words for quirkyalone?
In her book, “Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics,” Sasha Cagen revealed alternatives for the word ‘quirkyalone.’ These included variants like ‘eccentricalone,’ ‘bizarrealone,’ and ‘freakyalone.’
Is ‘quirkyalone’ a real word?
It’s is an English term that appears in the slang section of many dictionaries online. The neologism appears on sites such as dictionary.com, definitions.net, Urban Dictionary, Wiktionary, Collins Dictionary, and yourdictionary.com, among others.
International Quirkyalone Day Activities
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Hang out with some friends
You can celebrate the day by having a simple games night with your friends. Do something you feel comfortable doing with people you feel comfortable with, without feeling any of the pressures that often come with romantic gatherings. You can have fun even when romance is out of the picture. Show love to your loved ones, family, and friends. Let them know how special they are to you by sending them kind notes or being available when they need you.
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Take yourself on a date
Who says you need a partner to have a date? For International Quirkyalone Day, you can shower some love and attention on yourself by pampering yourself and taking yourself out on a special romantic date for one. If you get any weird looks, they are simply proof that International Quirkyalone Day is very important and that people have forgotten that it’s okay to enjoy your own company.
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Enjoy yourself on your own
Too often, we believe that our ability to have fun is tied to whether other people are around or not. On International Quirkyalone Day, you can celebrate yourself and your individuality by doing something you enjoy doing alone. You can take a calming long walk, soak in a relaxing bath, read a book, dance around the room alone, have a one-person karaoke party, or just sleep the day away. The list of ways to have fun on your own is endless. Whether you choose to celebrate big or small wins, just take out time to appreciate yourself in all your glorious uniqueness. Buy yourself something lovely or treat yourself to a special meal on this day.
5 Fun Things To Do On Your Own
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Clean the house
It might not sound like it, but cleaning the house can be loads of fun, especially when you see the results of your productive day — just pop some headphones on and have a mini-concert while you clean up.
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Watch a movie
Watching a movie on your own is great because there’s no one to provide spoilers or bother you with pesky questions and comments about the movie.
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Try out clothes
You can raid your closet and put on a one-person fashion show to make yourself feel good while looking good.
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Go for a jog
Exercising on your own is a great way to get your heart pumping and your blood racing with enough adrenaline to push you into productivity.
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Watch people
You can go people-watching and make up fun backstories about the strangers who walk past you.
Why We Love International Quirkyalone Day
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It boosts creativity
Some of the most creative things are done when you’re in your own company. International Quirkyalone Day provides time for you to find yourself and pour your energy into any form of creative expression that you choose. Whether you spend your time writing a bestseller, painting a stunning picture, or simply rearranging your furniture, you will find that time alone can bring on brilliant bursts of creativity.
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It celebrates true romance
The whole point of International Quirkyalone Day is for people to find true romance. When people feel comfortable with themselves, they don’t settle in relationships. Without the desperate rush to find a partner, it’s easier to find someone who is truly suitable for you and who you do not feel totally dependent on. International Quirkyalone Day promotes self-love. When we learn to appreciate and love ourselves, it equips us to show that same love to others.
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It includes everyone
Unlike other holidays that tend to only be celebrated by people in relationships, International Quirkyalone Day can be celebrated by anyone — whether they are in relationships or not. The day doesn’t leave anyone out. In fact, it preaches that no one should feel left out because they should feel comfortable being on their own. This day encourages us to build up our self-esteem and realize that our value shouldn’t come from others' approval. Whether you’re a veteran in marriage or an unrepentant single, value yourself and all your uniqueness.
International Quirkyalone Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 14 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | February 14 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | February 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14 | Sunday |
