has anyone got any advice about living without love?

[patriciapractical]

NC as I'm ashamed. I don't know how to live without love. I don't have a partner. I have been on my own for a long time. Can anyone tell me what to do? I just can't handle it any more. I am looking for some advice in addition to: have you tried online dating, joined a hobby group, made sure you keep in contact with friends, volunteer, exercise, help others, try something new. I know all those things. They are great and help get through the day but doing those things does not make up for a loveless life. Has anyone come to terms with this condition and can tell me something useful? I just don't know what to do anymore. I had some therapy this year and specifically raised the subject of loneliness with the therapist. In fact that was my "presenting" issue. This is killing me. Maybe someone here at least found peace with it and can tell me how to do the same.

Some great posts, i am not all that when it comes to writing but i wholeheartedly recognise much of which has been written. Only the unknown keeps me going.

I have always felt alone right from childhood. I spent my entire twenties trying to fit in and going from one man to the next. Nearly every relationship was dysfunctional in some way.

Deep down I could not give or accept love. Last year I found out I have Asperger's syndrome which explains a lot but does not make it any easier. As I age it becomes harder to connect.

I accept my lot but there is one thing that makes me F@@cking angry and that is weight gain that I feel is undeserved.

Am I to be denied the comfort of my beloved chocolate too? I'm so tired of dieting and worrying about my weight but I loathe my body and it seems it does not wish to give up the weight! As I Dont want to add being permanently hungry to my list of misery, I spend each day gritting my teeth and getting on with it.

I am alone but not really lonely and luckily I Dont miss sex or want to be touched.

It went very very well, thank you WhatIf - much much better than expected by one and all ( new treatment from previously, dire warnings by all). But it has gone remarkably well - so far!

Thank you for saying such lovely things

A bit of love goes a loooong way.