I think it's an interesting question to ask about their internal struggle. Of course, I don't think we can know.

I think exaggerating and boasting are common though, though not to the level that you are speaking perhaps. That level reminds me of a certain president... The normal level can likely just be accepted.

But, I'm not certain that the loss of friends really makes a huge difference over normal life. I've lost innumerable friends just to the tests of time. Someone moves, changes phones, etc, and suddenly, you never speak to them again.