And why would it be assumed that someone who doesn't mind sitting apart is doing so to "avoid contact"???? Rather presumptuous, as is thinking that others "want" to be apart because they spend lots of other time elsewhere, or are somehow "less" romantic than you.

To allow a young mother to sit with her child we will separate...especially if the seating error isn't of her making or is due to travel inexperience. I have watched Mr Sophie entertain a young child for hours so his parent could just have a break. I am extremely claustrophobic, but will gladly sit in a middle seat so that a serviceperson can have the small luxury of an exit aisle.

If that means I am less of a romantic, so be it.

But of course the reality is those situations don't happen all the time...so we could certainly sit together...except my husband is 6'7". If he is stuck in coach, it is incredibly important that the person in front of him does not put their seat back. The only way to insure no one does is if I take that seat.

Perhaps, just like beauty, romance is in the eye of the beholder. TEHO.