Definitely. My friends told me the same thing. You need to feel good about you first and then you can feel good about allowing yourself to be in a relationship. I did and I don't regret it. I am much more comfortable with who I am now. Good luck.

Hell ya.It will help you avoid the 'rebound' relationship mistakes.
It's funny that physical contact becomes so important to us at these times,but it does make us feel like real people.
There's nothing wrong with what you are feeling.Give it time,don't sell yourself short.Your friends are there for you and will help.

Wow I am new tho this. It si amazing how many people think feel and have needs just like mine.
It seem to make me feel like there is hope.
You sound like an incredible person.
I have the same needs but I know that I love my wife inspite of what has happened. I don;t think that anything I would do with someone would be real.
That wouldn't be fair to me or them. No matter what the situation would be.
I know that someday I can be loved for me and that interdependence, trust, and life long love and sharing are there for me and the right person. The problem is I have to hurt, be panicked, devastated, adn very lonley in the meantime. Crap! Why does it seem the injured person is the one that has the needs. Oh I know it is because we are going to grow and find the right person and find love that is healhy and wonderful. You are not alone and love is not just being next to someone. It is in your room now. There is no way a person with your compassion can not be loved.

i can definately relate..it hurts so much not to have someone in my life to hold me when i need it..i live with my best friend and her family and watch them interact with each other and end up more depressed..

My first reaction to that came early in divorce. I was advised against going out and listened to that advice. I have yet to go out and divorce was final feb 2006. I am so glad I took the time to get my head on strait.

It wont be much longer, and I will date with confidence in knowing what I want. If nothing works out I also know I will be fine on my own. Its a great feeling I have never had before.

Animals can be very comforting, as can children and babies. There are many volunteer opportunities such as at animal shelters and at children to help in day care. I also go to some hot springs and soak, this feels good. I do yoga and this helps me enjoy my body. I am grateful I have meetings to go to where I know people and can give and receive hugs - this is so important. You are not alone! Yes it can leave us vulnerable to predatory people who know we're lonely and may let ourselves be taken advantage of or compromise our needs to be close to someone.

correction..
I meant volunteer opportunites at churces to help with day care. Good luck and let us know what you do about this, please.

I'm new to this and the day of reckoning hasn't come yet, but I find myself very apprehensive about even talking to another person let alone dating. That being said, human beings are social creatures and we need to feel loved, protected and appreciated. It's alot easier from the outside looking in but choosing to be alone and being alone are two different things. No one knows how you feel about you better than you do. A lifetime can go by before you figure out who you are. Just understand that some people are there to help you realize your full potential and can actually love you in the process.

Jen, most of us go through exactly what you are. Feeling lonely, unloved, will anyone ever love us again, what does the future hold? All normal. And we tend to gravitate to the first one to show us any sort of attention. Not healthy for you and not fair to either of you.
I miss the closeness and intimacy (a familiar and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person) more than anything else. I want it so bad it hurts. She IS out there. Just as HE is for you, allow him to find YOU.