‎"Others in the room may be on their own as well, men and women drinking coffee by themselves, similarly lost in thought, similarly distanced from society: a common isloation that generally has the beneficial effect of lessening the oppressive sense with any on eperson that he or she is alone in being alone. In roadside diners and late-night cafeterias, hotel lobbies, and station cafes, we may dilute our feelings of isolation in a lonely public place and hence rediscover a distinctive sense of community. The lack of domesticity, the bright lights, and anonymous furniture may come as a relief from what are often the false comforts of home. It may be easier to give way to sadness here than in a living room with wallpaper and framed photos, the decor of a refuge that has let us down." - Alain de Botton