True, lasting love is hard to find, but if you find it, it's the most glorious thing ever. I haven't experienced it, but I know it's out there and it's real. I have friends who have it and seeing them happy is really inspirational. It's a lot of hard work, but it's worth it at the end. One of my friends has been in many long-term relationships, two engagements, and has been through so much (I took her out on a date once to console her), but she's in a long-term relationship right now, and hearing her talk about how she loves her boyfriend really just makes me happy.
I've always been emotionally intense (and the truth is, sometimes I wish I was a more "masculine" man who is capable of distancing himself from his emotions), and have been through a lot in my love life from a young age, but there's something inside me that just keeps me going. The human connection is something I always yearn for. It enriches my life and gives it meaning. It doesn't have to be romantic love, but there's something about letting yourself completely and utterly go, and knowing, trusting, that that someone will take care of you, and you lose yourselves in each other.
*likes*
I feel the same way, but I think I'm more pessimistic than you. Your optimism and persistence inspires me to be more of the same, so thanks.
Emotions are meant to be felt, so don't worry if you don't like how intense yours usually are. I relate, but even if they suck, I appreciate them somehow. It means I'm alive (maybe
too 'alive,' too neurotic, too aware of my reality, and although these things can drive a person crazy, they may not be all that bad!).