I know that there are people who have many friends and feel lonesome. And for others who have few friends, feel anything but lonely.
Loneliness is a serious situation. It poses risks for physical maladies. Lonely people are more susceptible to GI illness, heart and pulmonary disease than non-lonely people. Studies indicate that lonely people feel worse when stricken with any physical condition, even the common-cold.
In the book, "Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection," the author states that "solitude can be restorative and peaceful;" however, the same person who craves solitude can also be depressed, sad and unhappy.
Keep in mind that this is a perceptual thing. The QUALITY of relationships is as important, if not more important, than the sheer number of relationships.
Since I didn't post in September, I shall be posting again in October, Techniques to Defend Oneself Against Loneliness. Until then...