Hey Ian I know you're not into lame replies, so I'm going to do my best. First man, sorry for how you feel... believe me, I've felt it and it's not fun.

I'm going to take a different angle, so bear with me. Look at yourself man... look at how much you can love and care about someone else. Look at how big a heart you have. Can you see what you have to give, if only you could? Well you can, man. Maybe not with Erin, maybe not with the next ten you girls you fall in love with, but don't give up on love... you'll find the one who's right for you and then you'll know why Erin wasn't the right one. She seems so perfect now, but trust me, part of your pain is because you can't have her. It makes you want her more... you keep trying to get her to take you and confirm you are good enough to be loved by someone... and if it's someone you feel so deeply about, the confirmation appears more valid. You don't need that confirmation. You've got to believe you have something great inside a girl who's ready, and right will come and take.

I know you're hurting right now.. it's normal... just try not to overmagnify it... see what it is, bite the bullet, be optimistic that you'll have other chances, with great girls and one day, it'll be the right time, the right place, the right girl.... it'll happen man. Hang in there.....

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall." Confucius