Psychology says the biggest fear of people who have few close friends isn’t loneliness; it's the quiet memory of being let down often enough that solitude started feeling safer than hope

For some adults, having only a handful of friends doesn't equate to loneliness; instead, it reflects a cautious approach to relationships. They're often haunted by past letdowns that teach them it's safer to keep others at arm's length. Studies indicate that the sting of rejection can dampen one's spirit, making the option of solitude seem more appealing.

Raccontata daeconomictimes.indiatimes.com