//...My biggest fear at the moment would be ending up in a care home and living with others around. I like people, but don't need people around me all the time. ...//
This is exactly how I feel. Sometimes I envy those who, like you MissT, have a loyal and caring partner. But at this stage in my life I'd not have the patience to share...ive been in my own for 17 years.
Also, I'm not really a people person. So most of the time I'm 'ok'...but sometimes I feel quite lonely, tearful, envious of others and the companionship they have. But I know we can't have it both ways.
Of course it's spoken about more at Christmas because the media is chock-a-block with happy smiling gatherings.