Here's a reverse Valentine's Day thought.

In its Sunday, Feb. 5, edition, the New York Times informed us that "One's A Crowd" and  more people live alone than at any other time in history in prosperous American Cities.

Widows can take heart from this story that reports:

"The mere thought of living alone once sparked anxiety, dread and visions of loneliness. But those images are dated. Now the most privileged people use their resources to separate from one another, to buy privacy and personal space.

"...Living alone comports with modern values. It promotes freedom, personal control and self-realization--all prized aspects of contemporary life. "

And living alone doesn't isolate people, it encourages socializing, says this report:

"...Compared with their married counterparts, single people are more likely to spend time with friends and neighbors, go to restaurants and attend art classes and lectures. There is much research to suggest that single people get out more--and not only younger ones."

Yet I see many widowed friends seeking a "partner"--someone to go out with for dinner, a movie, and sometimes more. They want to be half of a couple again.

Ok, you go, Girl. Everyone has that choice. But remember that this time around you're probably not going to get a permanent career.

At this age and stage, you're more likely to find only "temporary work" because, unfortunately, such December relationships, as well as the partners, tend to be short-lived.