Chapter Four: The Unique Identifier.

Imagine instead that we start off determining that we will be completely unique, and similar to no one. One aspect of this is dress. Mohawk haircuts, tattoos, piercings and the grunge look have been past manifestations of this kind of “counter culture.” This can result in a person seeking out odd talents and pursuing excellence in arcane fields all in an attempt to have an identity that cannot be compromised. Implied by this choice is the good observation that “looks” are not everything, and one should not be judged strictly by outward appearances.

Let's say Dick has sought this unique character, and Jane is attracted. If she is from a conformist peer group, her hopes are doomed. But if she is equally individual, Dick and Jane are threatened by paradox. They have unique appearance and identity in common. Although they are individual, they have individuality in common. They form a peer group of two! Unfortunately this may be the ONLY thing they have in common. Attempts to maintain identity end up offending all compromise, and any relationship cannot last. They cannot be “together” and “distinct” at the same time.