I can do this...

[AntoniaB]

I'm sure it has everything to do with lack of self-confidence or inadequacy. I have no doubt that I'm lovable and that lots of people care very deeply for me. They did before this marriage fell apart and they do still, probably even more now (friends and family). My problem is that since the only serious relationship I ever had in my life was with him--he was the only man to ever say he loved me and he was the only man I've ever said it to as well--I'm feeling entirely unlovable from a romantic standpoint. No amount of friends or familial love can replace this type of love that I "thought" I had, but now I'm not so sure, and I guess until someone else ever notices me and loves me romantically, I'll feel like I've lost something I can "never get back again." My self-esteem in general is really high--it's the romantic self-esteem--love from a significant other--that has taken a huge hit that I feel like will take years to rebuild.