This month , a lot of Americans are talking about pairs or doubles – words relating to the number two . That is because February 14 is Valentine's Day . It is a celebration of romantic love , usually between two people . But being part of a couple is not as common as it used to be : More than one in four Americans lives alone . The number of unmarried adults around the world is also higher than it has ever been , says social scientist Bella DePaulo . And so today we are going to honor the word “single .” If someone is single , she or he is not involved in a serious romantic relationship with someone else . The word “single ” can suggest a feeling of fun . One image of a single person is of a carefree man or woman who has many friends and is happy to be independent . The findings of researcher Bella DePaulo support this idea . She finds that , in general , singles in the U.S . socialize with friends and neighbors , take classes and do volunteer work more than married couples . But perhaps you are single and you are not so happy . Maybe you would like to meet someone – someone else who is not in a serious romantic relationship right now , either . You're in luck . You can go to a singles party , a singles club , or a singles dance . Singles events are designed to introduce solo adults to each other . And who knows ? You might see someone there who looks very interesting and appealing to you . You ignore the rest of the crowd and single out this one person as someone you want to get to know . You take quick , decisive action . In a single stroke , you put down your glass , cross the room , and introduce yourself . Luckily , the person is as wonderful as you had imagined . You exchange stories . You discuss politics and religion . The two of you agree on everything . You are of a single mind ! Then , suddenly , a loud sound fills the room . It's a fire alarm ! The guests walk through the door in an orderly way , one behind the other . They leave the building single file . You now find yourself outside with your new love interest . The two of you watch as firefighters investigate the building . There does not seem to be a real emergency . But the firefighters must look in all the rooms . They have to search every single one for signs of fire . Slowly , the other singles begin to leave . You are not ready to say goodbye to the person who is pulling at your heart . But you also feel uneasy about suggesting you meet again soon . The person waves and turns to go . Your stomach jumps . Your heart beats faster . You open your mouth to ask for a telephone number . But then you stop . What if you are rejected ? Or , what if you are not rejected ? You might fall in love and become part of a couple . You could lose your alone time , your freedom , your dream to travel the world by yourself . You take a deep breath and remind yourself that every journey begins with a single step . On your way home , you call your favorite restaurant and tell the person who answers you are planning to eat dinner there on Valentine's Day . “Table for two ?” the person on the phone asks . “No ,” you answer happily . “I am dining alone .”