Hi folks, I've been on a long break from the forum, longest ever for me, and lately my thoughts have been on the topic of whether we are all truly alone, and the nature of connections. I have been feeling amplified isolation lately, and seeking out sources of education on the topic, and relief (sometimes desperately). Today I turned to Wondercafe and did a search, which led me to Youth Worker's thread. I read some helpful advice there, including my own, which I had forgotten I'd written.

 I ran into a former friend from long ago last week.  Someone I cared for deeply and who, over the span of about fifteen years, broke up our friendship three times, each time very abruptly and harshly, each time with me on the receiving end of the emotional beating...  Why did it happen three times?  Because I really loved this person and wanted her in my life.  Last week we saw each other at a doctor's office and she clearly wanted to chat, was very warm and turning towards me to talk and greet each other.