When the negative connotations of the letter N combine with the forcefully pronounced letter K, they impart the cantankerous (but ultimately harmless) assertiveness found in the words: funky, kinky, cranky, punk, drunk, junk, prank, skanky, and flunky. Many women (Nikki and Nikky) soften these harsh aspects through the youthful Y sound, which has the effect of infantilizing their names (funny, coy, silly, goofy, happy, and zany). Others (Nicole and Nicolette) employ the lively, loving, learned, and likeable letter L to remind us of their gentle and altruistic sides. All these subliminal messages coalesce to imply willful and headstrong people bent on serving their own purposes, but with a gentility and chutzpah that suggests both sides of the equatorial spring.
Perhaps their imperviousness to criticism encourages them to behave without regard to social norms or the expectations of others. Or maybe it’s simply that their unique personal styles are unencumbered by self-doubt. Whatever the reason, if you’ve ever befriended NKs, you’ll be familiar with their dark moody sides and their beguiling charms. The problem is that you can never be quite sure, from one moment to the next, if your NK is going to shut you out or invite you in for homemade cookies. This pervasive sense of uncertainty creates the mystique which separates the NK from the crowd.
If NKs were animals, chances are they would be foxes. Like their canine counterparts, they cannot succeed using brute force alone but must rely on their charms and sharp minds to garner resources. Consequently, NKs spend a lot of time in their heads, giving the impression that they’re trying to outsmart their friends. But no one who really knows them would accuse them of manipulation; they are generous to a fault and their intensity is tempered with a sardonic sense of humor.
NKs expect others to be as honest about their strengths and shortcomings as they are of their own. They are anything but snobbish and are unimpressed by the usual symbols of success and status. All they need is a simple demonstration of loyalty and they’ll return the favor by being faithful and dependable friends.
When cupid’s arrow nails these otherwise autonomous spirits, they sometimes lose their composure and end up as helpless as shrimps on the barbie. But when they pull themselves together, you won’t find any lover more devoted than they are. If you happen to be the love object of an NK, you may never have a sonnet written on your behalf, but you will be able to count on constant attention and unswerving loyalty.
[AD PLACEHOLDER]
