This. This has been me my whole life. I have friends and like friends, but I like a lot of time alone. I'm self-employed. I have a bunch of employees, but still spend a lot of time alone.

I'm very fortunate that I have found a wonderful partner who understands this about me. She also loved the show House. IIRC she found the show and suggested we watch it.

There is a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. IMO it is people who can't stand being alone that can't see the difference.