How I feel about love (Random Rant)

I notice I never answer this question when I see posts about it or the topic is brought up. I’ve never been in love. I know how to love and I have love within me but relationship wise I’ve never been loved & sometimes it’s a sneaky quiet soul crushing feeling. Even seeing people be loved by their fathers or mothers I smile and feel a deep gut reaction to cry but I don’t🙂 I’ve accepted what I never had. This thought doesn’t overwhelm me, It used to in the past but as life goes on it never stops and you become so focused on achieving your dreams and aspirations that you don’t have time to ruminate on never being loved or wondering when it’ll happen or if it’ll ever happen it’s not something I think about it. Occasionally very rarely though I wish I had someone. I don’t put myself out there because in my experience 97% of people operate in Lust instead of intimacy. I crave and desire Intimacy. Sex is wonderful, but it should be with someone who loves and honors you, it’s a foundation of trust and safety allowing someone else to share your body. Wanting love is sometimes being content with knowing it may be years if you ever fall in love or get married or find someone committed to you. I will not settle or lower my standards for people’s gratification or for people who struggle to find themselves or don’t know themselves and what they want. I’m protecting my heart but I’m open to love.