This is an illusion: ‘It seems like everybody else are doing really well for themselves – it seems to me like they can acquire jobs with seemingly no effort on their part, and that they are living happy lives and having a whale of a time.’

It might seem like that, but people put it on.

‘Could it be that I am full of self-loathing and I subconsciously seek out other people with the same qualities I hate about myself to project this onto them?’-Yes, it’s very possible

(‘Why do random people just target me for abuse in the street )People who feel bad about themselves can sense underconfidence. They’ll kick a person who’s down to make themselves feel big.

This used to happen to me, I was overweight, shy & bullied at school for being a nerd & unco, & at home I had to deal with a heap of shit as well.

It sux that people do this, but rather than feel intimidated could u feel sorry for them? If they felt good about themselves they wouldn’t need to do it…

I think it’s ez for smart people to let bitterness, cynicism and hatred clouding their perception and outlook…BUt not helpful.

Letting go of judgements about others is something that most people have 2 work on…Mind training, meditation etc…

I’d make a list of things that made u happy in the past & brainstorm answers to: How can you bring those things that made u happy back into your life?

Is there some way you can feel connected to people-feel a sense of belonging- thru a group eg a Buddhist group?

People’s expectations are changing but yes, there are a lot of people who have a narrow view on what others should do w their lives (usually those who feel thtreatened by anyone different) HOWEVER all thru history you can see examples of women who ignored that during times when it was even stronger. Maybe research some of them so that u can feel inspired. PUt up pics of them etc.

If you’re interested in travel, do a TESOL course. With that & your degree you can get a job teaching English pretty much anywhere in the world. It sounds like where u live is not your kind of place anyway.

Antidepressants might also be helpful.

These are all things I’ve done/am doing that seem to work…Hope it helps