In Britain there are 6.5 million people living in one-person households, according to Census 2001. This marks a 30% rise since 1991.
The apparel of loneliness is one of the most common of our time amidst the jam-packed schedules of meetings, events, appointments, visits, phone calls and even a SMS slot.
The number of lonely people is so huge that society has taken all the right measures to ensure that you fit right in. Take a walk to your local supermarket for example, and you are confronted with isles of meals for one, all pre-cooked and wrapped in miniature packages for your convenience.
Or go into a restaurant and you are automatically shown to the neatly prepared table for one, while the four and six seaters are left empty.How about the new smart cars that are designed to allow you (and nobody else) to fit in comfortably with the estimated 250 cars which drive down a road every fifteen minutes-only four of which are family packed, 4 wheel drives.
Looking for a flat? No problem! The one-bedroom or studio flats are highly popular. Two bedroom flats are also common-for those who wish to convert a room into an office. And let's not forget the soar in pet sales. Man's best friend has always been his dog, but now it seems that the dog is man's only friend!
Retailers, advertisers, housing developers, legal entities and government agencies are finding that they now have to consider the concerns of those who are alone. So, what does the future hold for the population of 6 billion?
Will the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, cause us to blend in with society's facilities for the lonely and leave us destined to a lifetime of aloneness?
If you are without that special someone in your life and want to find out how to meet the right person, attend the Partners for Life meeting every Saturday at 7pm at the Rainbow Theatre.
