So I'm an only child, and when I was young my family situation - having two single parents who tend to be loners - meant that I spent a lot of time involuntarily alone. For me, this meant that over time I started feeling that there was something wrong with me, that people didn't like me, and that if I was more likeable I would have more companions. At times, I would almost destroy friendships because when they wouldn't quell my loneliness, I would feel betrayed, (lets just say I took teenage breakups VERY seriously to the point of absurdity). At the same time, whenever I tell people these feelings, they can't believe it. They find me really likeable with lots of friends and don't know why I would feel lonely. So I guess my loneliness and insecurity is all in my own head, just exacerbated by memories of my upbringing and introverted personality.

I'm wondering what I can do to help my self esteem not succumb to these severe lapses into self doubt. Every year or so, they really throw a wrench into my friendships and career. When something isn't working, I become terrified that I'm doomed to be alone forever and fall off the wagon a little bit.

Any ideas?