One Is A Number Too

The number one can be difficult to deal with at times. Most of the things we use come in pairs. You don't go to the store and by one shoe, one glove, or one sock. Although maybe that should change. Maybe someone could figure out a way to sell one shoe, sock, glove, etc. for those people who only have one limb. Is it really fair that they have to purchase a set although they can only use half of it. Most people don't make a sandwich using one slice of bread. At the department store, dishes are sold in sets, silverware comes in sets, glassware comes in pairs or sets, and wash cloths are sold in bundles.

We live in a world where it can be daunting for a person to function as one. When a person goes to a restaurant alone, many times the host or hostess will make the comment "just for one". I have never heard them say "just for two". As a matter of fact, I have yet to see a table set for one although it is not uncommon for people to eat at restaurants alone. Sometimes I am tempted to say "no, but I will be the only one dining". I don't understand the need to reiterate what I clearly said. Many times, when entering a restaurant or cafto eat alone there is a tendency to try to encourage the single diner to eat at the bar or counter. When seated at the table, someone generally comes over and removes the other place setting. Really! That couldn't have taken place before the patron was seated! I have an idea - have some tables that are reserved for those who are dining solo.

Traveling as one can be expensive. Many vacations have really great prices but generally state in smaller letters "based on double occupancy". Cruise ships charge extra fees for the solo cruiser. Why? Does one person use more fuel than two? Is it harder to clean the cabin of one person than cleaning after two? Why not determine how much food, towels, supplies, etc. are needed based on how many reservations you have instead of how many are in the room. Dealing with an odd number can't be that confusing.

When hosting banquets or large dinners, most tables are rounds of eight or 10. This generally means if the gathering is primarily composed of couples and someone attends solo, they will spend a lot of time circling the room looking for a table that will allow them to sit. Apparently, it doesn't matter that everyone probably paid the same price, or received the same invitation, the message is still the same. One is a number that is rarely accommodated without some measure of awkwardness. If 50% of marriages end in divorce and more people are delaying marriage, then why does it seem that restaurants, cruise ships, bars, act as if they were not aware that people would engage in these activities as a solo participant.

There are those who see a single diner, theater patron, concert attender, etc., and many times assume that it is a single person who couldn't get anyone to accompany them. It is hard for many to believe that not everyone has a problem with the number one. There are married people who engage in certain activities alone because their spouse doesn't share their interest in the activity or just want some alone time. Some people are natural introverts or loners and prefer their own company. Should single people be confined to their homes because it is apparently awkward for others to acknowledge or accommodate their singleness in public.

It is time to start a campaign for the number one. Maybe someone should organize a march "One Is A Number Too"!