I can relate to what you're saying because I don't feel lonely often in my life. I can tolerate being alone without feeling lonely. Maybe it has to do with whether person's introverted or extroverted - I classify myself as semi- introverted. I was shy most of my life and learned to manage it, so that's why I say I'm semi-introverted. Since I have kids, I enjoy the times when I'm alone.

I think it also has something to do with self esteem. Some people might equate having lots of friends and loving family with their self worth, hence if they're alone, they feel there must be a reason or something wrong with them. I can understand how old people feel lonely, when their loved ones are all dying and not interacting in society like before. Interesting topic Ygrec23