Hi friend! I read your post and actually registered with this site just to tell you, “I feel your pain!” I have been sick with a chronic illness for a long time now. I had to give up my nursing career and am fairly isolated now. Went through a nasty divorce from an abusive man nearly twenty ago and raised two lovely children through periods of major depression on and off. Everyone has pulled away. Maybe they didn’t think I’d really notice, but I do! My husband is not leaving, but neither is he terrible interested in being a part of what goes on in my life. My dearest friend, my lifelong bestie, also has pulled away. I make overtures, but it’s very hard to actively engage in any friendship now, and I understand I failed on my end because of circumstance. I miss her and love her dearly. It hurts. I need her. The very wonderful thing is we can go many months without talking, and if I don’t try to explain myself or inquire what has gone wrong with us (I tried that), it’s all good. Good enough, anyway. I know I am not especially positive these days because of my illness and depression. I need to talk about everything to process it, just like you. Because there was no other choice, I turned to online support groups and forums, and thankfully, I have a wonderful, long-suffering dad who wants to hear about everything. I think the other are right. I needed to hear what they had to say, too. I just want you to know I really understand. Hugs and mutual support coming your way.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 8 months ago by Rhonda M..
• This reply was modified 9 years, 8 months ago by Rhonda M.. Reason: left out word