In my opinion it can be a lot easier to run an adventure for one person . . . if you have a storytelling instinct.
When running a one-on-one I feel that it is best to look at it as telling a story to one person about themself in a foreign environment/situation. First tip to new players, adjust to the world and the rules of the game before trying to adjust to a new personality. Roleplay yourself.
An anecdote:
Just two weeks ago I was writing a one-on-one adventure for The Wheel of Time RPG for me and my girlfriend to run through, but we thought it would be fun to invite a friend who had never roleplayed.
She came over and we sat down, made characters, and played. They both had a great time. When writing the adventure, I had left an in for more that one player, just in case, and the story was geared well for both of my players. They took a personal interest in the story and made me play a second time later that same night (bringing a third girl into the mix who also never roleplayed).
Hopefully, Matt, your game make the same impression on your friends. But I don't think it should be too hard to set up a one-on-one adventure. You'll just have to rely on NPCs a little more to provide push-pull for your players.