~The Quirky Eccentric~

Posted by Candace Bowen Early on Jul 1, 2011 in Authors, Blog, New Adult | Young Adult | 4 comments

While researching archeology information for the sequel to, “Spur of the Moment,” I began thinking of something else. Several people in my inner circle are under the mistaken impression that I have an obsessive-compulsive personality. Quite frankly, until recently, I agreed with them. How else can my incessant need to get every detail accurate in my novels be explained? As an example, I recently spent an hour researching wildflowers and herbs that were abundant in the twelfth century.

The online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Obsessive-Compulsive” as “Relating to, characterized by, or affected with recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of a neurotic state.” I may be compelled to be thorough, yet I do not believe I am neurotic about it. In fact, the more I researched obsessive-compulsive, the more positive I became that I did not fit into this category at all.

In one of my earlier blog posts, “Tales from a Former Introvert,” I realized that I did not need labels. However, if people are going to assume something about me, I expect them to be accurate with their assumptions. There is probably a touch of neurosis in that statement, but stay with me for a moment.

Anyone familiar with the television show, “The Big Bang Theory,” will be familiar with the character, Sheldon Cooper. My very good friend and neighbor is Sheldon personified. The truth is that my neighbor and I should have been twins — so he has taken to calling me, “Sheldonia.” Minus the genius part (only where I am concerned), I can totally relate to the character of Sheldon.

Some may consider Sheldon obsessive-compulsive, but I disagree. Compared to Jack Nicholson’s character in, “As Good as It Gets,” Sheldon is not obsessive-compulsive. So what exactly would define Sheldon and by extension, me?

Merriam-Webster defines “Eccentricity as a deviation from an established pattern or norm; especially: odd or whimsical behavior.” While I am not thrilled to be in the eccentric category, I will take “odd” or “whimsical” over “neurotic” any day.

On top of being considered an obsessive-compulsive, I have always been considered quirky. After reading Merriam-Webster’s definition of, “Quirk: A peculiar trait,” I can definitely see myself as quirky. Let’s face it a person who would take the time to ensure they were “labeled” correctly by their friends and family must have a few quirks.

I suppose the relief I feel by realizing I am not an obsessive-compulsive person could be considered another quirk, but I can live with being called a quirky eccentric. Sounds kind of cute…

Candace Bowen Early
June 30, 2011