Missing out on growing up to actually feel like part of a cohesive family, like you actually belong. Missing out on having supportive and loving family you could share your problems with without fear of judgment, being laughed at or belittled. Missing out on feeling safe and respected, and not being gaslighted, slighted, physically or emotionally abused.

It makes me feel empty. I envy people who grew up in 'normal' households and even more so the ones that had very supportive families. You can't choose your family, you're just stuck with the broken one you were handed.

How do you move forward from this? I might be "searching for my soul tribe", but

1- I don't think it could ever replace a family

2- I don't expect it to happen any time soon, if ever. I practically never 'click' with other people. This has literally only happened once so far in my life.

It's not fair to depend so much on other people. Yet I crave being able to be "clingy" with someone I really connect with, because of the emotional neglect and whatnot in my upbringing. What am I even supposed to do?What helped you?