How do you build meaningful long term connections with people

I think it's relatable to say growing up as a JW negatively affects your ability to build meaningful connections with people. You never get any support with making friends unless they're in the cong. You grow up constantly reminded that your parents will abandon you the moment you have slightly different religious beliefs from them. I think it leaves you terrified of being abandoned and forgotten, but also always ready to jump ship if you feel unwanted or mistreated.

Sometimes I have terrible thoughts about finding someone who has no one else and making them need me, just to feel like I'm wanted and special to someone.

Im saying all this to ask if theres any way someone whos felt the same fixed their mindset and behaviour. I think learning to love yourself and not rely on outside validation is probably part of that process, so if there’s a specific way you went about that, that would be helpful.