That's an incredibly long time in which to feel lonely (hopefully it wasn't the whole time), and it's easy to become convinced that if you were lonely with someone then it will only become worse when they're gone.
It's not true. Loneliness isn't a curse that was thrust upon you, nor is it a burden for you to bare until the end of time. Take some chances, reach out and you'll find that there are others looking for the same company you're searching for.
Watch out for weirdos by all means...but don't shy away from what could be what you've been searching all along.