ONE PILLION IN A ZILLION OR NONE

Many friends are aghast when i tell them that i go on long rides solo. They often ask why they or anybody else were not invited. Having a pillion rider is always good they say, from a safety and companionship point of view. I agree.
But i have never been much of a "group" person. I'm addicted to the peace the road provides. The greenery, the black tarmac, the smell of oil and dust hitting your face; ridding into the sun is just too much of a temptation to resist and i don't want to share it. Having a talkative pillion is worse than a punctured tyre. You loose interest in the scenery around you and you wish that this trip would end soon. Relationship problems, assignments, chicks/dudes, parent issues and what not crop up, when you are right in the middle of a lush green valley, with the aroma of coffee and slight hint of mist. You wish you could pop a wheelie, dump you pillion and make a run for it.
In most of the bike accidents, you would have noticed that the pillion is more seriously injured, or killed, than the rider. This increases responsibility on the rider's shoulders. Your pillion should have the same interest in riding, exploring and importantly, knowing when to SHUT UP. Encouraging you to overtake, stare or honk at the eye-candys' bum or just stretching can throw you off guard, specially when you're driving at speeds over 70 kmph.
I have had only one pillion rider, who also acted as my navigator. There have been others, but i usually avoid taking one in the first place, girl or boy. If i don't know the route, or if the place is better explored with someone who has been there and done that, a pillion rider is worth it. Having a pillion with riding knowledge is even better. That way, he/she can take over riding if you are fatigued.
 The above principles apply to a group too. Different bikes, riding speeds and attitudes make it a challenge. The habit of occupying the entire road and causing a nuisance to others is also an issue.  Go for Har ek rider jaroori hota hai  only if you guys are Brokeback Moutain (gays for the non-movie buffs), bromance riders or simply a bunch of nut bags of bikes.
For me, there can be only be one pillion in a zillion, or even better, none.