This definition of loneliness contains two ele- ments: the number of realized relationships with others is lower than a person would find pleasant or acceptable, or the relationships do not reach the desired level of intimacy (De Jong-Gierveld, 1984). Not only the real- ized network of personal relationships is involved, but also the preferences and desires regarding these relationships (Van Tilburg, 1988; Dykstra, 1990; Dykstra and De Jong-Gierveld, 1999).