Allowance of Loneliness

There is an undetermined age for the single person when lonliness is assumed by all and not disregarded as a sincere state of heart. That time tends to come earlier for men than women, because, as we all know, women are emotional creatures. In other words, we're usually lonely at all times.

"Oh poor Garry--he's just really lonely," is a comment known to excuse a misdemeanor or two. Men and women of known loneliness are generally justified in their socially awkward mentalities and general quirkiness which tends to exercise itself as being 'pervy' or a real 'creeper' for men and as a 'cougar' or 'bitch' for the women.

Sadly we don't often take the next step from 'Yeah. She's not really a bitch. She's just so lonely, ' to befriending said bitch.

In highschool I would try that tactic with teachers. The real jerks and bitch teachers were my personal game to win over to my friendship. It was less an act of love and more an act of personal challenge to get these cruel, unfeeling teachers to like me, nay, love me.
But like a cougar on the lose at happy-hour so I was with my prey once I got what I wanted. The kill isn't nearly as fun when your heart isn't even in the game.

Anyway--all that to say: I'm lonely but I'm only 24 so I don't feel like I have a right to it. I feel like I need to put in at least another 10 or 12 years before I can say 'I'm lonely' and actually receive sympathy, or not feel selfish for saying so.

My life is a full life. Free evenings are rare these days. Facebook has ignited a forest-fire of reunions and 'let's catch up over coffee! When are you free?' dates with old highschool and university friends.
Yet I feel, in my heart, unfulfilled.

Will more friends fill that gap? Unlikely.

Will less friends and more intimate existing friends be the answer? It's possible.

Is a boyfriend any sort of solution? It's always been a dream of mine... But when the "solution" seems non-existant at the moment what's the next step towards fulfillment?

Clearly I know the answer. But I'm reluctant to believe that a God, although flesh and blood too, is able to really fill that void. I mean, really fill it.
It doesn't matter when, or how, or why, or even who--sometimes you just need a hug. And sometimes there isn't anyone around to provide that contact. Then what? Is it truly possible that without a hug God can satisfy the need for...a hug?

If not for myself, then for others who clearly won't be getting a hug anytime soon, I hope that the above it true. That when you really need a hug God can provide that sensation without actually...touching.