Sasha Cagen is not only single — she has made a career out of it. Cagen is the founder of quirkyalone.net, which she describes as “a community of independent thought on singledom, life and love.” The site has helped morph Cagen into an unofficial spokesperson for a new breed of empowered singles, thanks in part to her appearances on networks such as CNN and MSNBC. Now, with the holiday season upon her single brethren, 210SA caught up with Cagen — whose new book, “To-Do List: From Buying Milk to Finding a Soul Mate, What our Lists Reveal About Us,” was released last month — to get her recommendations for single-friendly activities. She was even nice enough to divide the activities into two categories — those for social singles, and those for singles who aren't quite so social — as well as providing one activity that falls under both umbrellas.
 

Listen to a podcast of Single File Columnist Jaundréa Clay going one-on-one with relationship coach Michelle Vasquez. Special thanks to Kevin McLeod from incompetech.com for intro, exit music.

SOCIAL SINGLES

 
BAR HOPPING
“People are coming home (for the holidays), and you might see people you don't get to see otherwise. It's a very social time.”

CHRISTMAS CREATIVITY
“You can do creative things with friends like have a holiday card-making party. Make crafts with people, and make the holidays more creative. You're not just going through the motions of going to the Gap.”

PARTIES APLENTY
“The holidays are a time of parties, and you definitely don't need a date to go to a party ..... It's fun to maximize all the party opportunities, and it can be fun to be a free agent at a party. If you go with a date, you're responsible for that person. On your own, you can flit about and talk to people.”

NOT-SO-SOCIAL SINGLES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
“It's great to take a long walk, whether it's a long hike or just a walk around the neighborhood. Turn off your cell phone and embrace the quiet ..... See where your thoughts lead you.”

SINGLE AT THE CINEMA
“Go to the movies during the holidays. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, a lot of people like going to the movies alone. It's great to see a holiday movie by yourself. You don't have to compare notes or worry about the other person not liking it.”

FUN FOR EVERYONE

VOLUNTEER
“A lot of people are so busy in their jobs, they don't have time to volunteer throughout the year. It feels really good to give something to people that doesn't involve your credit card.”

Clint Hale | 210SA