Dear Editor,

Shout out of acknowledgement: Every week I look forward to reading the “On the Road” adventures of columnist Omayra Acevedo. It s a wonderful opportunity to live vicariously, plant a seed and perhaps in the future, experience some of those places myself.  

Also, as a solo person, I appreciate her openness and bravery in sharing herself as she navigates through the world as a solo person; something many people are not comfortable with or ashamed to talk about as if it’s some type of failing. “You’re so lucky to be single,” be it by choice or not, most coupled people have difficulty understanding it. Being seen as “just one” or “by oneself all the time” doesn’t mean that there is or may be something wrong with us; although the implication is often there. Being solo or alone (especially as a woman) is neither good nor bad; it just is. Speaking as a woman whose mother is gone, has no family, has been in many relationships and was married - strength comes from within, learning to be independent and self-reliant. It is a gift that we could share by example in relationships, whatever their type. 

Atashnaa Werner
Nederland