The 'Lonely Theresa May' meme originated from a photograph taken during an EU summit in Brussels in December 2017. The image captures the former UK Prime Minister sitting by herself at a large, empty table, appearing isolated amidst the tense Brexit negotiations. While the photo was initially used to represent the UK's perceived isolation in European politics, it quickly evolved into a relatable internet format for any situation involving loneliness, social awkwardness, or waiting for someone who is late. Today, it remains a popular choice for depicting the feeling of being the odd one out in both professional and casual settings.