Nobody’s sitting around with a clipboard deciding who qualifies for this experience and who doesn’t. Your way is yours.
The connection exists whether others validate it or pick it apart. That gnawing feeling you described doesn’t need external approval to be real.
Gentle self-care has helped me when that ‘missing’ feeling hits. Journaling about my emotions cut down on those intrusive worries, and keeping a small gratitude list at night has shifted my focus.
Deep breathing or a walk outside calm me down and remind me I deserve some care. Taking care of myself first has slowly helped fill that empty space inside.