You don't need many friends; just a few, at most. I moved to be near my relative in assisted living. I knew no one here except my extended family who turned on me for an unknown reason(s) shortly after I arrived.

I got to know some aides at the assisted living place who are exceptional people in all respects. Some of them told me they spend most of their free time alone and they love it! Just like me.

I looked up an old friend from my neighbor I grew up in and we speak on the phone for hours from time to time. They reminded me that I was such a helpful, decent person way back when. This restored my confidence and made me realize that people differ so significantly. I believe you connect with the right people but when stuck with the wrong people you feel it!

I have been commenting on this forum as I want to share good information and it also helps me "connect" with people. The amazing thing is that the people here are all over the US and the world! One person in the Pacific Northwest, PML, gave me great comfort when several angry, violent drugged-out, drug selling, men moved into my nice apartment building and began threatening me. I lived a heelish nightmare for months! Thank goodness these awful people were permanently removed!

So connecting is good but so is being alone. It's a balance if done right leads to a very high quality of life, in my opinion.