Hi, I went through a similar situation in the past, right now I am 26 years old and I can tell you I am a very happy person. I think you should start by loving, nurturing and realizing how much you are worth =) Carl, but I mean it in a real way. Most of the time our problems come from wanting acceptance by everyone that is around us, it somehow makes us feel important and feeds our ego, but that is just temporary! It is like pouring water in a cup that has no bottom, it never fills up leaving a lack of satisfaction.
When you look at yourself and understand your unique purpose in this world, you can then realize how much you are worth and start being content with who you are; feeling safe and happy on your own company.
I am not trying to say that you will love being lonely or anything similar, but you will feel at peace and through that peace, you will love yourself and once you love yourself, only then, love can manifest on the outside world. ALL COMES FROM WITHIN. you are worth a lot!!! I know it =)
ohh and one more thing. You will be immensely thankful for what you are going through when you overcome this emotional impasse. trust me. thank to that, you will grow.