According to a 2024 advisory by then United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, Americans are facing an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation. And it seems to be getting worse. The absence of social interaction for individuals creates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Additionally, social isolation also leads to societal dysfunctions “in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.”  Statistically approximately 50% of adults feel they do not have a desired level of social interaction. This decline is also spilling down to young people as well. . . .

Some years ago, an old friend of mine mentioned that he got together every few weeks with some old(er) guys to have lunch. They called their group the “Romeo’s.” The term “ROMEO” was an acronym for “Retired Old Men Eating Out.” Women tend to have more social interactions than men. For them the notion of “JULIET” has been an ongoing activity. Oh . . . and “JULIET”? That stands for “Just Us Ladies Into Eating Together.”

Everyone needs a Romeo. . . or Juliet. More than ever it seems. . . .