How does a Loner survive?

There are many kinds of Loner, I think. To list but a few, I would say loners fall into these broad categories:

1. The shy - a person who desires not to be a loner, but because of his/her makeup and disposition, finds it incredibly difficult to seek out friendship.
2. The garish - a person who has no difficulty seeking out friendships with others, but because of their approach, is shunned by those he or she seeks out.
3. The pathological - a person who finds no need to have friends.

I am of the first type, and wish to further qualify that with the caveat that pride enters into the recipe at a very high level. I find it very difficult to admit to others that I might be in need of anything. Perhaps it is because of my upbringing, or the environment I found myself in at an early age, but it is very difficult to admit that something is wrong to others.

I find myself now in several difficult positions. One of my businesses is on the verge of failure, and another is on the verge of great success. My wife is in need of a liver transplant, and has been in and out of the hospital (more or less on death's door) three times in the last five years. I've cashed in my retirement and that is the last money I shall see, I fear. And still, pride keeps me from seeking the help of those I know would, if they could.

So, the question is, how does a Loner survive? I'm just blogging here, and not really looking for an answer. But I felt the need to write.