As a single, heterosexual guy in my 30s, I realize I'm somewhat fascinating to those married among us.

Several months back, I was talking with a gentleman - obviously married as his wife was trailing him by a few feet - at a social event.

He asked if I was married.

"No," I replied.

Then, the man's fascination took hold.

"So, (long pause) what do you eat?" he asked with a puzzled look on his face, as if he was suddenly speaking with a Martian.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

How on earth could a single male manage to feed himself?

"It's a wonder he's not famished," the man probably thought.

I suppose it's a logical question and the man certainly didn't mean anything by his question, it just made me laugh.

Another logical question is: why aren't you married. It's one my nieces have been asking me for years.

Now, according to a new study by the Ohio Department of Development, my chances of getting hitched will improve in the coming years - or at least the dating pool begins to be stacked more in my favor.

The study, a projection of population by county, split by male and female breakdowns, was created by ODD's Office of Strategic Research.

That's what I need, strategic research.

Currently, in my age category, 30-34, statistics show our county has 1,710 males and 1,960 females, or 1.15 females for every male.

Breakup with your girlfriend? Don't worry; if she's not right for you, somewhere out there is another 0.15 woman waiting for you.

Now the good news is as the years go by, the odds begin to look a little better.

In the year 2030, if the projections are correct, my group (now 55 to 59) is looking a bit more favorable.

With 1,570 women to 1,020 men, the ratio is now 1.54 women for every man. The odds just got better.

It's not a sure thing, yet, but the chances sure are looking better.

But whatever you do, don't feel sorry for me. A boy born today will face far steeper odds in 2030. He'll live in an upside-down world. Only 0.82 women will be available for each man.

I wish those guys the best of luck. And, if they managed to bump into me in 2030, I'll buy them dinner, because Lord knows what they're going to eat.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.