I’m 26 and I’ve never really felt loved. Not truly.

r/

I’ve had relationships. I’ve had moments of closeness. But I’ve never once felt that someone saw me and thought, “That’s him. That’s the person I want to pour my soul into.”

I see friends getting married, building families, growing roots. And I’m just here — drifting. Lighting another cigarette, pretending I don’t care, pretending I don’t notice the silence in my own chest.

I’ve tried dating apps. I’ve tried being “more open,” more vulnerable. But I’m starting to wonder if maybe some of us just aren’t meant for that kind of love. Or maybe I missed it when it came.

I’m not giving up. But it gets hard. That’s all.

Thanks for letting me get that out.

Comments

  1. Quarves Avatar

    How is your relationship with your parents?

  2. Hammose Avatar

    If it makes you feel any better, I’m 37 and feel the exact same way. The only people that have ever loved me for who I am are my parents. Everyone else has loved me because of what I can provide for them.

  3. NukeHead777 Avatar

    25 year old man and I struggle deeply with getting close with women. I’ve had relationships but they were never great. Talking stages are the worst because you never really know where you sit with someone

  4. IDEKWTSATP4444 Avatar

    I never felt loved until age fifty

  5. Preheatedtrauma Avatar

    I feel the exact same way, actually about to make a post somewhat about it too. Like I don’t feel like anyone really “knows” me and it sucks.