My Experience: As I have moved through the different stages of my life, I have lost contact with the acquaintances and few friends of each stage. I have ONE friend from from high school with whom I remain in twice-yearly email/letter/gift box contact. I think I may have one to three other friends with whom there's rare, sporadic long-distance contact. Thankfully, I'm married and additionally belong to a dog.

I believe a few of the people I knew in each stage of life really were friends. Had I the energy and focus, I might be able to renew at least a couple of these friendships, at least in long-distance form. Fact is, though, people move on, become involved in daily activities, and change or adapt to new circumstances. I'm grateful for the friends I've had, and I've made some sort of peace with letting go.

Googley, you seem to have a deep yearning for a companion - someone more than a friend. That's a Good Thing. A real companion cannot "cure" you, cannot make you "successful," but can make life easier and far more meaningful. Healing and success may be secondary outcomes of healthy companionship.

May companionship find you.