Hi @Almond_Quokka
Thank you for reaching out as it takes a lot of courage to share your feelings and experience. I can see there's a lot that you've unpacked here - I just want to check with you to see if you're doing okay today.
I'm sorry to hear that you were feeling isolated and lonely even though you are being a supportive friend. It must make you feel lost and ignored. Like your friends say, I think you are a very kind person as well - however, it does take a lot of energy to always be there to support your friends. I agree with everything that @Anzelmo has said. When you cannot receive the same treatment for yourself, it must be frustrating and invalidated, even though you truly cared and wanted to be supportive. It's totally okay to feel this way, please don't feel like you're doing anything 'wrong' for being a good friend.
You mentioned you want to form deeper connections with people so that you can share these thoughts and feelings with them in a reciprocated manner. May I ask what you regard as meaningful in a friendship (apart from being supportive and helping your friend)? Would you value honesty/openness over validation/supportiveness (not that these attributes are mutually exclusive)?
Please note that we are always here to listen and support you!
Thanks heaps.
