Robbins said her number of clients doubled in the first quarter of 2009, compared with the previous quarter. She attributed the rise in part to people re-evaluating their lives during periods of stress and trouble…

“I think that as people go through more difficult times, being alone becomes more difficult,” said Patti Novak, owner of Buffalo Niagara Introductions in Buffalo, New York.

“[Even] if they can only afford popcorn and a six-pack on a Saturday night, they’d rather do it with somebody than alone,” she added.