too much of a loner for her own good

[vectra]

Hello,

Could you explain the meaning of the last sentence in this passage:

The only thing that upset him was the fact that Cathy would have nothing to do with boys of her own age, preferring always to be with him and his cronies. She was too much of a loner for her own good.

Thank you in advance.

[5jj]

A loner is someone who prefers to be on their own. Catherine exhibited this characteristic to a high degree, which the writer feels was not good for her.

In these sentences, the writer presumably limits her desire to be on her own only to the company of people (especially boys) of her own age.

[SoothingDave]

Hello,

Could you explain the meaning of the last sentence in this passage:

The only thing that upset him was the fact that Cathy would have nothing to do with boys of her own age, preferring always to be with him and his cronies. She was too much of a loner for her own good.

Thank you in advance.

If she is "always with him and his cronies" how does she qualify as a "loner"?

[Raymott]

If she is "always with him and his cronies" how does she qualify as a "loner"?

It's technically possible, because 'always' refers to 'prefer' not to 'be with'.
"On the odd occasion that she goes out, maybe once every three months, she always prefers to be with him and his cronies than with boys her own age."
But I agree that, out of context, the sentence does invite that criticism.