I want to say one thing... my friends are terrific.  Or maybe they bring out the amazing in me.  Explains why I crave spending time with them.  I THOUGHT my recent problem was being single during the holidays, seeing people I once cared about moving on without me, and knowing I had no one to spoil beyond belief with thoughtful things.  So I tried writing it all down, getting it out of my system.  During this, I called a friend and briefly hinted to the issue.  I wondered if, instead of stating what I thought was going on in my head, if she would guess.  She said almost exactly what I thought the issue was... and it rang so false it surprised me.  I admitted I am totally fine with being single.  If that status changed, it wouldn't matter... neither good or bad.
 It is not "being left behind"... it is a problem that likely has no solution.  I am  upset to the OLD issue of being taken advantage of.  The person, in whatever capacity, lied to me... and had a result opposite to what they said they wanted and then claimed that was what they really wanted.  I know I am being obtuse... but to protect the innocent, guilty and ignorant... I have to be. It's the being lied to, on such a basic level, that gets under my skin.
I'm a blunt, tactless, up front individual.  
The people that caused this crisis... It was like asking them if they wanted to drink water or wine, mixing up the order and having them gulp it down greedily, asking for seconds.  It's rude, confusing and irritating.  Imagine the response when it is offering your heart (in romantic or platonic ways) or solitude.  To leave a door open, and have them crawl in someone else's window.  People are fickle, confusing and confused... I know that.  But after having me tell them to be straight with me, I get aggravated when after getting that green light, they lie.  Don't try to spare my feelings... I'd rather be told the truth.
As for my desire to have someone to spoil.... I have friends, myself and (one day) a furry buddy to lavish with affection. It's all good.