(((Amethyst_Stargazer))),

I think you will find that a lot of the other members struggling in this forum can relate to feeling this.

What can help with this feeling is finally taking the time to trace the origins of this challenge in self. This requires working with a therapist who understands the importance of this process and knows how to "listen" and work with you as you slowly identify your own history that contributed to this feeling of loneliness and hurt you struggle with. The goal in therapy is working towards a point where you realize what is "not your fault" and have a chance to grieve whatever you did not get in your past while the therapist validates that with you. This challenge is present in each individual who is struggling where they do need help finally not only understanding that but to also work on finding ways the help themselves morn whatever was "lost" to them on a deep personal level, and finally come to making peace with it so they can move forward in their life.

It sounds to me like you have a kind heart and that has been taken advantage of, that is something I have seen several individuals struggling with in this forum. That can also be part of what contributes to the desire to avoid and withdraw. When it comes to human beings, truth is we are all unique and some human beings are more sensitive than others. Sensitivity is not necessarily a bad thing either it can be an advantage when it comes to being good at interacting in certain areas of humanity. The fact that you put forth an effort to care about others can mean you would be good at specializing in therapy work or being a teacher or caregiver or social service. Unfortunately, that can turn into what you have described experiencing where you make an effort and find yourself disappointed because you fail to get that not only respected but given back to you. Often what happens with a sensitive is they do get taken advantage of and they don't get a chance to learn how to be assertive and can end up instead becoming passive aggressive. This can become a challenge during development when a child has to contend with the narcissism that is common in developing children and young adults.

Are you working with a therapist right now?