I kind of know what you mean, it’s like telling a depressed person to think happy thoughts. If it was that easy we wouldn’t feel so bad. ‘It wasn’t meant to be’ it’s just an easy thing to shrug and say, and while it may be true, doesn’t really help.

As to why the relationship ever happened, life is a journey, not all experiences are meant to last forever. The breakup hurts, and you might be recalling only the bad times after a bad breakup, but it wasn’t all bad, and you learned from it. It happened because it’s what you wanted at that moment. It might not be a ‘forever love’ but it was perfect for that moment. Maybe these two people will get back together one day, maybe not, but one day you might look back on that time and smile because of the memory or lesson.

Little confused by your typing but I think your issue is comparing yourself to your peers, coupled with a lack of social interaction. Everyone is on their own path, one might focus on career while another on relationships. You may not notice you’re comparing yourself, but one day you will look back and notice it. At my low points I felt like a failure because I’m [age] years old and I’m still here while my friends are there. [Heck, I’m 26 without kids and the local paper has a photo of two friends from high school who had their first kid on new year’s day.] At some point something will just click.

Don’t get discouraged you didn’t make the list. You could do a number of things from here, you could study more, evaluate what needs your attention, and work harder towards your job goals. You could view your life as a whole and figure out what you like and don’t like and work on improving them. You mentioned how you miss your friends, try setting up one night a week [if possible] where you guys can hang out. In person is always best, but if there’s an online game you like, or Skype or whatever. All but one friend lives at least half an hour away, and the friend who lives in town works long hours and has a 2 year old. I work equally long hours and don’t have a car, but I text everyone once at week. You might need to find this balance in your life. Another option is to find a circle of like-minded people to hang with and strive for similar goals. You can still have both groups of friends, but it never hurts to make new friends.

Good luck to you!

I’m guessing we’re talking about the Jewish/Christian/Islamic God and not my Gods [I believe in a male and a female] I’ve always known what I would say, basically, sorry I converted but after doing some soul searching Christianity didn’t feel like the right path for me. Please judge me by the way I lived and not who I prayed to.

If God damned me simply because I didn’t believe [and not for something like kicking puppies which is pure evil let’s be honest] I would be upset because it’s unfair to hate someone because you’re not friends and no other reason so I would probably say something mean and walk away because that’s some unfair standards imo.

How are they sabotaging your life exactly? If it’s a misunderstanding you could try calmly explaining your feelings and views, but be sure it’s the right time, try to be honest but not malicious, and really listen when they speak [Also, problem in my family, if there’s a tendency to cut people off, ask them to wait, or maybe try a held object, so people have to be quiet until they have said object] of course, sometimes it’s a deeper problem and you’re probably not in the best space emotionally, so if you’ve had years of negativity you might consider cutting ties for the time being. You might still love them, but they could be toxic to your recovery. I have that problem with my grandparents, I love them but they’re very hurtful on certain topics [They mean well but they belief ‘cruel to be kind’ you know?] If someone’s unwilling to change, you need to be a little selfish and heal yourself.

You could also try meditation, journaling, exercise, and doing things you love. I have depression so I know it can be difficult, but start small, put on a CD you like to dance to, or a movie that makes you smile. I keep a list with me of things I love [people, places, things, activities] and whenever I remember something I add to it. When I’m low it’s nice to read. [I don’t know if you’re the same, but it’s hard to think of something good when your on a down day. Just contradictions] mindfulness also helped me a lot, as did TinyBuddha [thanks guys btw] you might also consider cleaning out your cupboards and filling them with nutritious food. Kind of a no brainer, but the food you eat can effect your whole day. You don’t need to become vegan [unless you want to] I’ve cut out almost all ‘junk food’ and eat a lot more fruits and vegetables [I still eat meat but only for dinner] and I actually noticed a difference not just in my health but my mental too. When I was depressed I grabbed what was convent only to mentally beat myself up for eating a bag of chips [or whatever] which kept the circle going.

Lol I’ve added cocoa powder to stews before, cinnamon and chocolate are amazing together. I know the horrors of breathing in the powder though, I roll my truffles in the stuff. [Its also a huge mess when the powder gets everywhere then the truffles start melting from the heat of my hand.]

I like food and I enjoy cooking [went through culinary school so I kind of have to lol] I have a real talent with food, but it’s not really my passion. I am shocked when people say they hate or can’t cook. With the holidays coming up I’ve got to get started on my baking, I ship a tin of homemade truffles and chocolates to my family every year. It’s easy to make, just time consuming.

Quarter life crisis lol. When I was nearing 25 i started journaling and reflecting [and reading TinyBuddha actually] because I felt I should know something or have done something. You seem very happy, but since you don’t ‘have it all’ [aka the vision of perfection] you might be wondering if something’s wrong and this might destroy your happiness.

You’re an artist/illustrator? That’s probably why you are having trouble getting into your own work. I use to do a lot of art growing up, but I lost my inspiration so I stopped. [Slowly getting back into it] I noticed what killed my inspiration [despite how much I loved it] was making fan art of someone else’s characters. Perhaps being told what to draw for your job is draining your creativity. Perhaps you simply need a new medium? However, you seem content socializing and whatnot so perhaps that’s your hobby.

Regarding the beach, I grew up by the ocean so I know the feeling, but you could always take a few weeks off and visit. But if that’s the one thing that you feel is missing in your life, try journaling or making a list of pros and cons and figure out if moving back to the sea is the thing that will bring you untold joy. Good luck to you.