Why am I so pathetic?

I used to be a strong independent woman who was not afraid to be alone, however, somehow I have turned into this week dependent wimp who needs someone around all the time. Especially now that I am back to my hometown where I spent my first 15 years of my life (I am 26), I do not have friends here so naturally I constantly feel lonely (not to mention I just went through a breakup with my boyfriend who lives in the States).
Basically, I am pathetic. I am actually friendly vibrant and fun to be around, but when I am alone, I turn into a pathetic hopeless person. How can I change this? Is there anything I can do to change myself?