I felt like you when I seperated from my ex. I had three small dc and was so sad at the prospect of life without affection, sex etc. I didn't want to spend sat nights in with face mask, I wanted to be out enjoying myself or at home with a partner. Friends were mostly married and while sympathetic not very helpful - like yours they suggested online dating which i didnt feel up for. For the first two years I went out every weekend to different things, pub, parties, friends houses, sporting events, whatever. If i had no money fir pub id go to a fruends for wine/ tea/ chats. I had the odd snog but nothing more and was very disheartened and down about ever having any kind of romantic relationship again. Fast forward to three years and I lost some weight and gained more confidence. I've had a few one night stands ( my choice) and two casual relationships in the past 6 months ( one of whom I've foolishly fallen for but that's another thread). I met them all in real life, not online. They have really boosted my confidence and while neither of ny casual guys were right for me they are both very nice and have made me realise that I can meet guys and that hopefully at some stage I'll meet one that is right.
In the meantime i will look after myself and my dc, focus on my job, have fun with my friends and my casual guy. Mostly I am happy although xmas is quite hard with all the family stuff on tv, etc.
With regards to friends, I know what you mean about people wanting you to be postive and upbeat. I found that I started spending more time with some single friends as they 'got it' a bit more and we could have a moan together then put our gladrags on and go out!. I was a bit surprised by the ones that really came through for me ( and a few that didn't 🤔).
My best advice is focus on yourself as much as you can with small kids. I got a new haircut, upped my game with make up and lost weight. It might sound shallow but it was important to me and really helped my confidence which in turn helped me to feel more able to chat to guys, etc when I was out.
I also had a policy of saying yes to as many invitations as possible, even if it wasn't something I'd normally be into.
Don't despair, there's no reason to think you'll never have affection, sex, love, etc again. I've had more sex in the last six months than in the last six years of my marriage 😆 but if you'd told me that a year ago I wouldnt have believed you. My 3 dc live with me full time and are all under 8, so anything is possible!