In this world there are people, far too many people, who go about their day-to-day lives devoid of love. The love of a partner, family, close friends... even a pet. It's a terrible way to live and contrary to basic human nature but some people aren't given a choice. People living with a life-long illness can often find themselves forced into a scenario like this for instance. Hollywood and popular culture tell us it all turns out well in the end but does it really? Religion says god loves us but is there anything there to hold on to in the long dark hours before dawn?

This isn't meant to be a trivial question. I really do want to know what other people think about this. Thank you in advance.

Life is what you make it. If you choose to be miserable or angry or friendless, then that is what you will be. If you can put others first, even when the fates have dealt you misery, you will reap great rewards.

I have cleaned up this post.

With respect the OP did mention religion and God, so answers that involved God and faith can be put on. Since the OP did start it.

We do ask that you do not preach beyond making the answer directly related to the way the OP mentioned it.

While God and religion can be used to address this, I don't believe some of the posts did address it properly, So I deleted and cleaned up the responses after that.

Chuck ( for those who don't know me, moderator)

Dear Friend!
I understand the desperation of your heart being unloved. Sometimes in self-pity we disconnect from others and think that we are unloved but actually people love us. You have given an example of life-long illness. I am an example of that. A congenital heart patient. Had already two major heart surgeries and suffer from secondary polycythemia and so on. But as 'Wondergirl' stated above, "life is what we make it", I have made such a lovable environment around me by giving and only giving that I don't feel unloved.

Sometimes there's dark despair in our life but in everything learn to give and radiate love and don't expect in return. Practice it. Initially it may be difficult but later a sense of satisfaction will fill your heart. I have done it in my own life. Had problems previously. Thought of committing suicide even but now have matured in giving and radiating love and warmth.

So bottom line is "we have to create the environment of love around us to be loved."

God bless...