Love

How do you know whether someone really loves you or they "love" you out of a sense of obligation, due to a relationship?

There are two people in my life that I love. I know I love them because I know how I feel when I look at them.

I have no idea how they really feel about me. I don't feel sorry for myself about this, don't think I do, at least not right now. Truth is, I don't see how they possibly could love me, given our past and who I am.

I would rather live alone for the rest of my life than have to be constantly reminded of what a disappointment I am. It's a fair assessment, that disappointment, but it doesn't make it any easier to live with.