Strato B looks like you've struck a nerve with your thread. Who needs therapy when we have kind and understanding people on here who we all open up to ! Sadly we shall all experience 'loneliness' at some point in our lives, and mostly its being the surviving partner of a long relationship. In another lifetime ago there was always extended family as back up because everyone lived within close proximity, but in this day and age its a different story. Families live far and wide, but no amount of Skype/Whatsapp etc are a substitute for a hug and companionship.
Its a vicious circle of being lonely to start with, then depression sets in so you're not thinking straight, so whats the point of bothering about anything, and then the comforts of alcohol or buying stuff become the prop to get you through the day. This part wasn't my story, but I was in a place where I could see why it would happen to others.
You're all great on here. Thank you. x