i’m just so used to being in a relationship; i’ve only ever spent a few months at a time single. but after my last breakup i decided i needed to stay single for awhile (at least a year) because i was relying on my romantic partners too much in a really codependent way.

i’m struggling to feel loved and affirmed while being single. i have some great friends and roommates but they aren’t as consistently present as a partner would be. it’s really hard to go from lots of physical affection and daily “i love you’s” to maybe a hug or 2 from my roommates and hearing “i love you” from friends every now and then. i also just feel like i almost always say “i love you” first to people and it hurts me because i feel unreciprocated. but i just say it when i feel it and want to express it. however having to say it first all the time makes me want to close up and stop saying it, which also makes me sad.

i think i would be able to cope a lot better if i still had my cat, but he passed away from a sudden cancer at the beginning of the year. he was a great source of comfort for me.

any advice for filling this void left from not having a partner or my cat anymore? i’ve been hanging out with friends which helps in the moment but after i go home and i’m alone again the void returns. :(