Is being single and female still a problem theses days?
I remember reading years ago in a newspaper that a lady travelling alone and staying in a hotel in Paris went into the dining room for breakfast and was ignored by waiters even when she tried to attract their attention.
In the end she got fed up, opened her handbag, took out a pair of, er, undergarments, and put them on her head in the manner of a hat.
The room went silent.
The head waiter approached and asked if could help her.
"Yes, can I have some breakfast please?" she said and she quietly put the clothing item back in her handbag as the head waiter snapped his fingers to call a waiter to serve the lady some breakfast.