Letter: The nuclear family just cannot cope

Sir: On behalf of all my thirty-something single friends and relations, I challenge the comments reported by Ian Burrell ("Singles at risk from drinking and suicide", 28 October).

Being single in Britain in the 1990s does not mean a miserable existence.There are many of us "singles" who are thoroughly content with their lifestyle, many of whom actually choose to live the way they do. In fact many married friends have expressed envy over my independence.

I have a very busy social life and a busy job, and do not have a chance to "spend time alone in my room". None of my single friends or relations are suicidal, depressed or heavy drinkers. On a Saturday I do sometimes treat myself to a take-away but this is a luxury, not a necessity.

The "hidden misery" of those not living in couples is totally unrealistic.

CLARE FOSTER

Cheddington, Buckinghamshire