 (Nick Galifianakis for The Post) | Dear Carolyn: I was a late bloomer and had my first serious relationship at 20. He was a good friend beforehand. I fell in love only for him to tell me, after he dumped me, he wasn't sure he ever loved me. He realized he still had feelings for his ex/first girlfriend and dated me to prove he "could be in a relationship and not get hurt." His breakup shellshocked him — I know because I helped him through it. I should have seen the signs. In the middle of our relationship, he wanted to step back and date casually until he found someone closer to him (we were long-distance). I still can't shake this. What's your take on the whole First Love thing: that you never feel love like your first love, and they always hold some special place in your heart? Is it hogwash? Does it even matter? It feels silly as I type, but I feel out of the time frame to be that "special person" to anyone, and that — among many other things that happened in our relationship — has made me feel unlovable and broken. I've had professional help for years. Is there anything else that could help me get over this feeling of inadequacy, and allow me to fully trust others and my character judgment again? — Still Heartbroken | 
