Being alone is a very important thing, too.
There have been long stretches of time in which I have been without a lot of social activities or close ties. I think these times are rich with privacy, important boundaries, and I have the space to be myself, to contemplate, to review the past, think about the future, and to discover. I think these periods are very helpful. You get to know yourself and know life from a unique perspective.
You might have been alone for some very good reasons. I think that it is no mistake that lonely people are lonely. Having time and space for yourself is important.
Being social and maintaining social connections is also important ... and it's good to know that you can have them both.
Sometimes when I meet a group of people and everything is going well, I'll take some time to disconnect for a little bit, get myself grounded, and then head back into the fray when I am ready. It lets people know that while you enjoy them, you also need time for you. And when they see you keep coming back and maintain connections, they learn that your privacy is not a threat to the connection.
I don't think the question is is it possible for you to connect, but rather how much do you want to? There are many means by which you can connect rather deeply with other individuals and groups. When you are comfortable with doing so and desire it, it happens.
Alex is right about the blood.
Someone doesn't have to be family to be in your blood.
