[dianerk]

While I agree with most of what you say, ColeenJ, the issue is not just being single itself. A widow/widower is somewhat different from a divorced person, who is also different from a "single by choice." Someone who has lost a partner has a far more difficult time even seeing themselves as single. They see couples everywhere because they probably were a couple for a long time. Life is now different, new, hard and very raw for someone who has lost a partner. Many are looking for just friends -- not dates. A cup of coffee and someone to talk to is all it takes to brighten a day. Just mho.