I'm sorry you feel so lonely, Women have been known to show men a softer and more forgiving side which we can learn through our own understanding. The approach to not clinging to feelings is an even tougher challenge, Meditation can help with this and you'll stop being concerned with needing people and material things to be happier. Working all the time can be hard especially if we don't embrace a consumer culture as society places a lot of value with regards to earning money. My recommendation is, Hang in there and the right one will come along, Think of meeting one who compliments your good and with whom you can also help establish a better connection to the world with. Sometimes our dreams aren't all they are cracked up to be. Many others have said self discovery is a good worthwhile endeavor and I believe them. Going on 5yrs sober myself and have remained single. Thanks for sharing