Hmmm.. if someone asked me if I was lonely, first I would answer NO, because I don't want or feel the need for any friends.. I like being alone. Then, I would say- sometimes YES I am lonely, because I AM in a marriage that I wish did not make me feel lonelier- because I have an expectation that it should at least live up to the little that I need to not to feel lonely, if that makes any sense.

But I think one thing we are missing here, is defining what exactly is "NOT being lonely". What is the opposite of lonely? That is subjective, depending on what the definition of loneliness is to you- what you are used to , or what you expect, or think you should expect or want.

A few years ago I would have said that I was lonely because I SHOULD have more friends. Now, I am thinking that it's just fine if I don't want that. In a way, it takes lots of pressure off of me.. it makes some of my perceived issues easier. And so what's wrong with that? It isn't up tp anyone else to decide where the line crosses, since we all have different comfort zones and/or the need/or lack of interaction with other people.

I am not lonely of people, really.. I am lonely of creative energy and peaceful acceptance.