Hello Canary,

What you are really saying (I think) is that you want to be loved for yourself.  During your time with your ex you could give expression to some parts of yourself which you may have kept hidden from other people.  Most people adapt their behaviour to some extent depending on who they are with.  Very few people are accepted totally for who they are and it sounds as if your ex boyfriend was one of those rare people who could do that.  His loss, therefore, is affecting you quite deeply.

He probably still appreciates your quirky nature but for reasons best known to himself isn’t able to continue the relationship with you.  Ultimately, you need to accept yourself as you are, quirks and all.  This is the way you were made and there probably isn’t much you can do about it so you may as well learn to love yourself exactly as you are.

Best Wishes

Peggy