I've always been alone.
The only people I talk to is you lot (Its why it sucks when I'm offline). Sometimes I get lonely but I think thats true of everyone.
When I think of what it would be like to have lots of people and the stress of making sure I can give them all the attention they need, I think it's better for me to be alone. I only want a very few people in my life. Sometimes I even feel guilty here when I don't give a regular enough attention.
Yes, I get lonely. Sometimes horribly so. But I think that I'm good the way I am.
Having lots of people around is OK if you know how to make your own space for yourself which we all need. But, to be fair, it IS easy to forget about
yourself and
your own needs when you're trying to be friend and mentor to those around you, so it does happen and there's no shame in it.
Sadly, sometimes it backfires on you, as was my experience.
Not that what happened was my fault, (or that it failed all the time) but there are some who feel that you should do favors for them all the time, and constantly give them attention, who turn on you in anger the minute you set your limits with them.
That's when you find out who your real friends are.
You have to steel yourself and be comfortable with setting limits, AND saying no(and for the reaction it may bring out in those who see it differently.)
So while having lots of people may solve your loneliness problem, it's also a very stressful lesson in social micro management.