Its better to be alone for a while. I basically did that for 4 years up in The Bronx. It hurts and I dont mean to make light of that part. But, its better to get to a point to see how self centered, and probably broken in some way, the people in our lives are. Now, several years later Im more or less back on my feet and back in Manhattan and Im a transformed person. I even grew out of getting assaulted right before I moved, as you know. I have compassion for all the people that "abandoned" me now...from a distance! :)
Also, I wouldn't say they are "meant to" build character. I think that they can if we allow it. If we approach difficulties this way. It's our choice. I didn't realize it at the time but I chose to push through and tried to grow despite all the challenges I faced. It worked. I think I should write a book about this! 💖