I feel the same way. I'm realizing a lot of my loneliness is due to fear. I don't extend myself or take risks. I can't say I'm over it, but I'm looking for ways to become more active. I've joined groups and try to force myself to be social.

I understand where you Are coming from. I too have issues in trust. After my divorce qnd all t5he things that were said about me, I isolated, trusting no one. I was abused as a kid and maybe and probably plays into it, however, I have come to trust those you don't show me otherwise. In otherwords I am cautious, but honor those who show no malice. Smetimes it takes a while, but you can learn to trust. More if you wish, know you have a friend who does not judge.

I pay women to keep me company, i have alot of bad experences. I feel like give it up.

Everyone is afraid. Please don't think it's only you. People who reject you run away because they are afraid. As I get older, seeing the fear in people becomes ever more apparent. I have met some who have no fear, they are dead on the inside, those kind chill you to the bone.

I can relate. I think very badly of myself, and I'm convinced that if I try to get out there, I'll be rejected, so I don't bother. I too am very lonely, I want a relationship and marriage and all that, but I just don't feel worthy of anyone. I definitely choose loneliness over rejection. It sucks.

I am glad you are taking note of that now at 26. I don't know how you get over it, accept until you realize that you are enough.

I could have written this today, I'm sorry that's all I have to add but I hope it helps to know that you are not alone, and I get it...we are here for you. I believe there are is someone out there for you, it is frustrating to battle with the confidence issue. You will get there, this too shall pass...

I felt like that before; and now that I am divorced; feel that way again. You are so worried about being rejected, that you don't want to take the chance. I think most of us feel that way at some point. Not all; but the ones that tend to feel things deeply. What that says about you is; you feel and care deeply about others. if you didn't, you would not care what they think. So for me; you are the kind of person I would like to know. A person that cares about others and feels emotions very deeply. That is not at all a bad thing. It is actually, a very good thing. You just need to find people that appreciate someone like you. There are tons of men and women that would love to have you as a friend; or even more. Don't be down on yourself for being a person that has deep feelings. But it is hard to distinguish the people that will be trustworthy with your feelings; and those that will use them against you. That is just part of life. But you are still very young. You will find friends; or that special person; that will appreciate a woman with the ability to actually feel things in their heart and soul. Unfortunately, most can't. But I have no doubt, that you will find people you can trust. Or that special person you can trust. Just be open for it, and it will happen when you least expect it.