> I disagree with the title. If all you have in the world is yourself then you may well not make it over the long term.
Absolutely none of us do. I'm in my mid 30s, have been without both parents for at least the better part of a decade.
What pulled me through? Me. Not to discount what you say, just offer perspective. Several good people have crossed my path, more were worse. Nobody sticks around forever, nor their lessons. Cherish them while you can.
It depends on what you expect from your surroundings, but I'd say having people around that don't give you slack for being in a bad spot and just keep moving on until you're out of it can be a big deal.
Sure you could be blessed by super supportive, extremely affectionate and compassionate friends all around. But IMHO even having people to keep you in a routine when you'd just want to fall apart can save you from depression.
I think a lot of people are pretty helpful without being overboard or too obvious about their empathy for other people.
The finer points of "expectation" can be the source of trouble.
We form these expectations quite young, and often clouded by love at critical points. Familial, romantic and platonic. Love makes us promises that it cannot keep. Ideals we will not live up to.
There is a type of loner sentiment that grows from integrity, and the sharpness of the pain love betrays us.
Absolutely none of us do. I'm in my mid 30s, have been without both parents for at least the better part of a decade.
What pulled me through? Me. Not to discount what you say, just offer perspective. Several good people have crossed my path, more were worse. Nobody sticks around forever, nor their lessons. Cherish them while you can.