By FIONA RAE
The camera circles giddily around the domains of seven single people: the domains of the sad and lonely, who belong to the ranks of the one-in-four New Zealanders who are partnerless.
Well, that's the generally accepted view - and one that is largely debunked in tonight's Inside New Zealand: Singled Out (TV3 8.30 pm).
Actually, for anyone whose life consists of the daily chaos of kids-school-work-families, damn, that grass looks pretty green. Tidy, compact apartment-style abodes unhindered by kids' toys and Marmite-smeared couches. These people have hobbies and careers.
Except for Jan, that is, who at 36 decided to have a baby by herself.
"Women are far more financially independent now and so can make their own choices," she says.
Helen, aged 60, concurs. There have been amazing changes for women - like being able to obtain a mortgage.
"Being single is absolutely okay in my book," says Helen, who owns an introduction agency.
And well-known Auckland comedian Jan-Marie, aged 26, says: "Rather than seeing single as the time you spend waiting to be in a relationship, single is now the time when you learn about you. It's like shoes. The first pair you try on aren't necessarily the best pair. So you've got to try on a lot of shoes to get the ultimate shoe."
Singled Out has a reasonably light touch about its subject, with fish especially, and the lyrics of popular songs used as linking devices, although the links are a little over-used, and appear to be filling in time.
Of course the gnarly subject of relationships has to be aired. Sam, aged 35, helpfully explains the nuances of dating in his native America. It's different here.
"I think it's a cultural thing. I think the women are a little more reluctant to dive into it head-first. There's an element of, 'Is he Mr Right?' ... I don't think that's necessarily what dating's about."
Most of the singles admit to wanting someone in their lives but "I can have the good life without," says Jan.
Says Steve, a hire-a-hubby:"Anybody would really like to find someone that they could love and share their life with." . Robin, aged 47, is absolutely candid that he wants the whole horse and carriage. He even went to Russia on the marriage mission.
"I do want a partner," says Niva, "but it's like choosing Mr Right as opposed to Mr He'll Do."
The programme's makers can't resist a spot of tongue-in-cheek matchmaking. Jan-Marie tells an unrepeatable joke about guys in wetsuits; cut to American bachelor Sam out in the surf.
There it is: our own desire for the fairytale ending. But the point really is that these people would rather decide their own ending.
TV: Anyone seen Mr Right?
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