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Wednesday, December 14, 2005 12:00 AM

Living single

In a new book, sociologist E. Kay Trimberger says the "new single woman" is successful, social, smart -- and loving life on her own.

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  • Tuesday, December 13, 2005 11:53 PM

    soul-mate-o-matic

    There is no question Doc Trimberger is right that society places way too much emphasis on finding a soul-mate, whatever the hell that's supposed to be. Having said that, a lot of people are alone because they have unrealistic expectations, even if those expectations are fostered by a society that teaches us to commodify everything, even each other.

    On the other hand, If she wanted to write a book to give herself a sense of justification, well, why shouldn't she? If you have a PhD, people are more likely to publish your book, and then you can make some money channeling and rationalizing your angst.

    But maybe the Doc never found a man because of her white, white-collar millieu. How would I know, right? Yes, I'm speculating, and stereotyping. Nevertheless: a less attractive person is far more likely to find someone if she doesn't exclusively hang out with the latte-sipping set, who are more sternly evaluative of you than other American castes.

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