No one left behind

I was thinking why would it be better to be in a group than to be alone.  There are to me some obvious reasons but I was surprised by some statics.  Like ¼ of people are lonely.         And social isolation can increase the mortality rate by up to 30%.
That is not confusing time alone with loneliness.  Time alone is good for us me thinks.  I know it helps me to recharge the battery and can increase my creativity and productivity. A John Cacioppo, who studies loneliness, defines it as “perceived social isolation, or the discrepancy between what you want from your social relationships and your perception of those relationships.”
I have heard of the vulnerability of the alone person.  There is a perceived safety in numbers.  It is why fish like herring school as they do.  I have no desire to spend all day every day in the company of others.  But I do recognize that I do need others and they need me.  Coming together reaffirms a bond.  It helps me to know when the going gets tough as it invariable doe there are those who have my back as I have theirs.
Some amazing battles have been won by those who were severely out numbered.  Love them or loathe them the US Armed forces had a saying “no-one is left behind.”  For many this has enabled them to battle valiantly as they knew someone would be there for them as they would be for someone else. (I saw a story about US Marines that made me laugh.  They thought they were the bees knees and led a parade with a banner saying “second to none.”  NZ troops followed with a sheet held high that simply said “None”)
It is a common theme of mine because I feel it is so important. Loneliness is often a choice to me.  For certain others can be self-centered and I can seem invisible.  But I do think when it comes down to it if I want to have friends, I need to show myself friendly.  Stepping out like that can trigger all sorts of fears but I reckon sometimes it is better to do it afraid than to rue missed opportunities for the rest of my life.