I am thinking about something I often think about, though it does tend to result in circular thinking. Is part of being lonely a result of mixed messages or does it stem from our duality? From what I understand, man is a social creature, and that is part of our DNA. But also, since there is so much hostility afloat these days in various situations, can one blame anyone who withdraws? I guess it might be a question of balance (not to appropriate an album title from the Moody Blues), but finding that balance has been a lifelong struggle for me. I was a total outcast in school and though I am close to 60, that also still factors in. It has given me a sense of caution, which I guess some people might take as standoffishness. But the converse of that is I have to live inside my own mind and heart, and I will not do so without some sense of protection. And that whole idea too, I wonder if it is a contribution to loneliness...basically, even if you are holding someone in your arms, in your head, it is just you... Oy!