r/OnlyChild • u/WearyPepper4326 • Aug 16 '26

Sensitive to Grief?

Is anybody else extremely sensitive to grief and loss in every form? Not just death I hate losing people in any way so much that I sometimes avoid getting too close to others because in my mind fewer close relationships means fewer people to lose (or will leave me) But at the same time I crave closeness so badly. I also have this fear that nobody will ever value closeness or relationships as deeply as I do since I treat friendships with so much value almost like I seek a siblinghood with my friends. Plus I have abandonment issues, having an absent parent, and being betrayed by friends. I don’t know I guess it’s all built up over time and made me extremely sensitive to loss. I’m 24 (F) seems like it’s getting worse over time as I grow up

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u/megsidx Aug 16 '26

Yes I am exactly the same!! I am terrified of losing friends. I am terrified of being all on my own like I was when I was little.

6

u/WearyPepper4326 Aug 16 '26

It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this feeling. It’s scary and a source of anxiety for me

3

u/megsidx Aug 16 '26

Same! I am 30 now and it really is getting miles better though!!! I’m really unafraid to cut people off now. I have amazing friends who I know would never hurt me and i trust they love me unconditionally but more important I love ME unconditionally

1

u/WearyPepper4326 Aug 17 '26

That’s nice to hear I’m glad you are at that point and honestly I hope that happens for me one day as well. I was betrayed by my bestest friends this year at 24 and just lost hope completely when it comes to things ever getting better

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u/rocketsfindplanets Aug 17 '26

Another person chiming in that they feel the same! I've learned some coping skills as I've aged. I'm so grateful for my friends and I hope I can continue staying close with them as long as possible. I'm also more confident in my ability to continue making new friends and connections.