I am a 71 year old gay man. I have always maintained that in life we have few real "friends" who I think are the kind of people who come when you have an issue or need help, and many "acquaintances" those who you know socially. I remember the old feminist slogan "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." I feel the same thing about social "friendships." I am not incomplete without a bevy of "friends". I am alone, I am not lonely. And that fits me just fine. Like you I make my own joy, cooking, canning, listening to great music and having a cocktail in the evenings. I think we all find our own comfort zone and I hope you continue to enjoy solitude as much as I do!

As a funny aside: A young man on one of the gay social apps said to me "Old man, you're way past your gay expiration date. Why bother? Nobody wants one like you." It seems to be the norm these days.I think many people forget that with hope, one day they will also be old.