Please forgive the delay in responding to you. I was moved by the comments made to this post and I needed a few days to process. I feel balanced now to respond.
I thank you for your touching and intimate post. I can relate to what you shared as I was very naive when I was younger and really struggled with relationships even through high school and collage. In fact, it was not until my crises was resolved when I was 33 before I starting to turn my life around. Like you, that is when I really started to 'see' the lack of empathy in many people around me. There were lots of people who did have empathy, but it was also limited.
I respect your opinion about the flag war, but I must admit that I have a hard time accepting that people 'deserve' it. I don't think anybody deserves to be treated in violent or abusive ways. We can engage in touch love without resorting to those kinds of behaviours. But I agree that the computer screen has separated us deeply and removed the more intimate connections that we usually make with people.
I am grateful that you have found a way to change your abusive ways to explore more healthy relationships in your life. It is touching and encouraging to meet other people who have made the transition and extended it to all life, not just us. I share your views and I am grateful that you found the time and courage to share them here. I am honoured and privileged to witness this. Thank you.