I'm retired, a widow and my DC are grown and flown the nest and I now live alone. My NDN is in exactly the same situation. Her DC and DGC live closer to here than mine do, she sees at least a couple of them every day without fail. Due to distance and schedule I see mine maybe a couple times a week, sometimes less. We do speak very often on the phone though.
I have all sorts of interests and hobbies that keep me busy, plus I like time on my own to MN just relax or read or just have a long soak in the bath. All the things I viewed as a luxury when my DH was alive and my DC at home. My neighbour on the other hand can't stand her own company and is becoming rather demanding. I pop in a couple of times a week or she pops in here. I help her out with odds and bobs and she really is a genuinely nice person.
My problem is, or AIBU in that she wants me to almost 'be on call'. She will phone and either invite herself here or almost demand I go there for tea and biccy's and a chat. I know she is lonely, she never goes far really. We live in a village with an unusually superb bus service into the nearest town and the nearest city. We also have a very good local taxi service baring in mind we are so rural.
I'm beginning to dread the phone ringing as I don't want to feel like I have to provide companionship when I've something planned or I'm busy but she is lovely and I do feel I'm being a bit unfair as I don't need to be entertained and she is lonely.
I would guess the longest she is alone is Monday-Friday 8am-6pm while her family and friends are out of the house working etc. That said, I know she has friends locally who do pop in during the day just not every day. She also has friends who go to see her in the evening as well as family members.
So, AIBU? WWYD?
Sorry for the essay I didn't want to drip feed.