Oh yes, I know crushing feelings of loneliness and I know all about the smiling faces who want nothing more than smiles. I, too, have honed the clever art of unapproachable body language, the invisible box to keep everyone at bay. Mine is born, I think, from too many bad experiences, from trusting and being trampled, from giving until the well is dry, from thinking I'm ok and being told I am not. It is painful to be alone, but is it less painful than reaching out or is it more painful to remain hidden inside? I don't know. I'm new to this, too. I'm sorry you hurt, tho. I'm sorry you are withdrawn. Is it temporary? Probably. For how long? I don't know. Maybe just as long as it takes for the mourning to end, for whatever it is you are mourning. Even if you don't know for what you mourn just yet.