SOS-Me logo

The last 12 years have been my busiest by far from both a creative and personal standpoint. The challenges I face and overcome every day as a single, independent parent have given me unique life lessons and I've got to admit that among my many career accomplishments, this one has moved me the deepest.

I used to think the banking field was a challenge, with its mergers and technical advances, competition and regulations but I've got to tell you, nothing surpasses the rewards of successful child-raising.

My parenting venue wasn't at all a systematic plan, and it wasn't even something I chose to do alone. It just happened that way. I can't say I don't love it or the growth I've experienced, but I will say that the isolation I felt at times seemed both unnecessary and overwhelming.

When you've gone through and aced something as difficult as single, unsupported parenting, your thought after the dust settles is to use the knowledge you've gained to help make it easier for someone else in a similar situation.

The most difficult part of facing any challenge for me has always been the support factor, or lack of. It still boggles my mind to think that anyone can feel alone while there are billions of other people in the world, interacting with each other every day.

There are times during the single parent challenge that you need a shoulder to cry on or some solid advice but because others can't easily see you or your current situation, those needs go unmet. Sometimes, the task flops if you can't find the support you need. Everyone involved suffers.

That's why I started "Singled Out Singles" which is a support group for single, isolated individuals so that they may become more visible to others around them. It's a method where members wear logos during every day activities that identifies them as being single and invites conversation from others.

Simple conversation can lead to friendship, support or even more, and ends isolation by getting people interacting once again. I believe that as a whole, we've become too anonymous among one another and need to get back to simply talking, together, daily.

This concept is already used all over the world where certain dress codes are used to designate married or unmarried adults, traditions such as mourning periods, celebrations or memberships. It only makes sense that a certain logo should say "talk to me" when worn and onlookers can choose to indulge at will.

Harley-Davidson riders have wing pins, schools have colors, breast cancer survivors have pink ribbons, so why shouldn't isolated singles become part of a group with a "talk to me" logo? It will help them find each other. According to U.S. Census figures from 2004, as many as 77 million Americans are unattached adults. Can you spot them without a logo?

Of course, this is all voluntary and those who do not wish to be seen do not have to wear the single logo but if you are anything like I am, you will welcome conversation from other singles in similar situations even if just for some good old basic support.

I put the concept out there with the web site headquarters, products and ideas at www.sos-me.com and that is my contribution! It is now up to others to make the idea work. Any idea is worth it if it helps even a small number of individuals! I am hoping this changes the world for single people so they never have to endure the hardship of loneliness and isolation that I felt.