Loner but not so lonely

Dictionary.com says a Loner is, "a person who is or prefers to be alone, esp. one who avoids the company of others".

I was just recently thinking to myself about how over the past year I have become more of a "loner". I once thrived on the security of friends and I was at my best with people around. Many times I was told that I enjoyed being the center of attention; and it's more than true. I would look for ways to be around people and to make people happy, being the yes person. Yes, lets do this, yes, lets do that! What was that proving though? Nothing, because the more I was around people and trying to please them the more the life was sucked out of me. People have come in my life and with each one leaving I took the blow personally. Each time i would sink into a lower state and feel outed. The more I felt outed the more I would strive to fix it by putting more hurtful people around me.
But it all changed this year with some of the biggest blows I've taken in the friendship department. In all honesty this year alone over eight friends have taken their leave. I have been numerously lied to by those who I've invested years in on the friendship. Forgive and forget has always been my policy and each time I forgave the more I began to pull away from that person, losing respect for the word "friend". And as the year has chugged along so have I, slowly growing more independent minded and not relying on others for my happiness and well being. "Everything happens for a reason" is by far the crux of my life. I believe that with each loss of friendship I have become a stronger person who can conquer whatever is put before me. This may mean drawing back from society a bit but we have to face the facts, people let you down, they push you down, and though it may sting things get better. Regroup yourself and your emotions and learn to do things for yourself. Be confident in who you are.
I've noticed that a lot of people think that being a loner is bad or even make fun of them. But speaking as one I honestly believe I am much stronger than most people in general. I've learned a lot and in that I am sure of myself.
So chin up fellow loners. Be confident in yourselves. You are strong.