28 is super young. You really will have no trouble rebuilding yourself sentimentaly, don’t worry about that (you’ll never find the exact same love, just another

28 is super young. You really will have no trouble rebuilding yourself sentimentaly, don’t worry about that (you’ll never find the exact same love, just another one, because everybody is unique). I haven’t done a phd but it’s pretty famous for being super hard emotionally, so this is probably « normal ». You’ll manage, just like everybody else do. About feeling « empty » : find yourself a hobby. Since you’re the phd type, i would recommend something that makes your other parts of your brain work : artistic, and manual. Could be working with plants, joining a band, join a woodworking group, anything. It’ll give you instant gratification and draing you physically enough to make you enjoy the simple things in life : a fresh cup of water and a good night of sleep. Plus, it’ll help you rebuild a social network around a shared interest.