"How does the lack of human contact affect your psyche?" - wilde flower

As far as I can tell, it doesn't. But then, I'm not completely isolated either. I'm in a cell by myself, but on a range of cells with about twelve or so other prisoners (all with Federal death sentences). The other prisoners treat me with what I'd call “guarded respect”. I interact with them on a minimum level, doing small favors like trading items from meal trays or commissary. But, I don't converse with them in general. I have an intelligent and engaging girlfriend whom I write two or three times a week, and several other very supportive friends whom I also write regularily, which keeps me pretty busy. I don't feel lonely, or alone hardly at all.