I understand that this is not an uncommon fear, but it still feels so isolating and painful. Trying to protect my heart is actively hurting it more, and i have no idea how to turn it around.

I suppose it also opens me up to accepting validation for my feelings that i think are strange and make no sense.... For example, my fear of opening myself up to rejection amd embarassment. I have a hard time building deep personal relationships because im scared of getting emotional with people...