Welcome here. I'm sorry that you are dealing with these feelings.

I have felt misunderstood my whole life, and it seems to only be getting worse as I get older. I am introverted and don't mind being alone. But I do get lonely, and it is hitting me lately. A lot of people I know are married with kids. I never wanted kids. But sometimes I think about how it would be nice to have a significant other. It has to be the right person. I've had traumatic break ups/relationship experiences that do hinder my ability to trust others fully. Also, I find it hard to meet new people.

I wish I had solutions to offer. It is not easy. I do try to focus on the little things to keep busy, such as decorating around the holidays, doing yoga (not in a classroom setting, but by using youtube videos), reading, going outside (although too cold where I live now), etc. It helps distract me from feelings of loneliness. I try to think about how having this illness does not define who I am, although it often feels like it does.