North America, particularly the Matzo Ball and its big city competitors. A variety of other religious organizations' singles events are also very popular. However, dating via religious-sponsored singles events has also been criticized for fostering invasion of daters' privacy and undue expectations. Also there is a Single Supplement that adds extra fees to those traveling alone. In some countries, particular laws may directly or indirectly disadvantage single persons. In the United States, for example, Social Security widow(er) benefits are only available to those persons who have been previously married, and single people in the United States pay more income taxes than married people. In many countries tour and holiday operators impose a penalty (often as much as 100%) on persons who travel alone. Older singles are also heavily targeted by marketers, for much the same reasons. They are typically divorcees or widowed, perhaps reconciled to being single for the rest of their lives, and looking to make the most of what remains to them. Their children, if any, will typically be financially independent. They may, or may not, be looking for another relationship. There is a whole industry dedicated to making unsolicited telephone calls to this group in the hope of exploiting the ones who cannot distinguish between the honest and the dishonest. Depiction in popular culture Film and television Living Single Sex and the City Entourage How to Be Single The Golden Girls The Single Moms Club Girls Singles Bridget Jones's Diary Literature Bridget Jones's Diary Single Life: Unmarried Adults in Social Context Single: Arguments for the Uncoupled Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation Happy Singlehood: The Rising Acceptance and Celebration of Solo Living See also Asexuality Asociality Singles Awareness Day Singleton (lifestyle) References Interpersonal relationships Sociological terminology Lifestyle Ethno-cultural designations Family Social groups 1 (number)