Combating loneliness with 'talking tables'

In recent weeks, signs appeared on some cafe tables in a British supermarket chain: "Reserved for customers in the mood for a chat."

Edward Collett works at the welcome desk as a London-area Sainsbury Supermarket. He notes that  customers come to him for company as much as for shopping questions, which has made him a keen observer of human behavior. A number of regular customers will wait on a longer line just to share a few words with a familiar check-out clerk. Some are elderly and living alone, and seem to use these small exchanges as a way of finding companionship. He sees the same trend in young mothers who spend their days caring for children's needs.

Collett is delighted Sainsbury is doing its part to support England's national Loneliness Initiative. He sees supermarkets and their cafes as the modern equivalent of the village green. He hopes customers take advantage of the opportunity to connect with others. After all, 'people fade away without human company.'