If it's OK for me to say...... what you said here is paramount!

>>I always feel like whatever has happened was caused by me somehow or another, and I honestly just don't have the tools to deal with it. No matter if they are "Real Life" friends or my "online buddies", it hurts just the same. It just seems like life is filled with one rejection after another for me, and it just seems to get harder to cope with each and every year. <<


I can sure understand the hurt when feeling abandoned, it's just that-- are you not making the "exit" all about you? --- the cause was ME, I am being rejected, I feel left behind... etc... etc...
I've learned-- am still learning-- with much help from therapy-- that I have to stop making things all about me. I'm doing CBT with a great therapist and am learning how to change my thinking. I have far to go still, but baby steps are better than no steps. T. keeps showing me how many views there can be besides just mine.... it can be eye opening.

just thought I'd try and help .......

(pegasus-- I understand that it's not just about rejection for you, it's also you feeling sad for those that leave but still need support and are struggling so much. I feel the same as you.)

purple_fins