Nonamorous

Surprisingly, the sign-off “xoxo,” offering hugs and kisses, has become common even for those in decidedly nonamorous relationships. Ms. Bondy, who received from 300 to 500 e-mail messages a day while at CNN, was no fan of the “xoxo” farewell, especially when it came from a stranger pitching a story idea.

The apartment's row of four blippy rooms reminded Sara of a toy caterpillar. It wasn't an altogether charmless place, but neither was it designed for nonamorous cohabitants or for so many bicycles.