I am so sorry you’re feeling this way, @volsinchy, It’s very traumatic to experience situations like this. I’ve had periods where I have shut myself away, to protect my own mental health. However, longer term I’m not sure this is helpful.

Therapy/counselling helped me with this. I do choose very carefully who I spend time with now, and exclude people who have zero interest in me. This is usually where I have come to realise that I’m either in a one-way relationship or I’m actually being deliberately hurt by someone. That said, there are other friendships that I pick and choose when I want to interact, but in a limited way. I think interaction with others is necessary for good mental health, but sometimes I have to put my defence barriers up first; a bit like a boxer might wear a head guard to make sure they don’t get hurt unnecessarily.

I’m getting better at analysing situations, and working out who really benefits me and who doesn’t. But, sometimes, I need to take a complete step back from everyone to reset myself and my expectations.

As an aside, I have realised that I am a hyper-sensitive person, and this makes friendships difficult, as I know I have ridiculously high expectations, I over-analyse everything, and I am prone to misinterpreting situations and people. I’m trying to bear this in mind when I interact with people.

I think I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your feelings and situation.