As Open Eyes said, it certainly is to be expected. It's one of the cruellest parts of our condition; the way we sometimes dread this kind of intimacy, which we know in our hearts could be very healing.

In reality, being highly-sensitised to the world doesn't make us less attractive. In fact, I'm very drawn to people who think a lot, and feel deeply.

I'm not underestimating the power of those critical voices telling you that nobody will want you. I had them, too, and was convinced I'd be single forever. It all seemed too scary, apart from anything else.