Don't force yourself to put up a false front if that's not how you feel - tell the truth. You will be forced to keep to a pace set by those around you, but you will be fine. Feeling useful will energize you.
Good news will come from friends around you. You were right to wait patiently.
You are in a position where you trust people too much. These are people who can deceive you.
Your strategies will be used to seek balance and cunning in a practical sense.
The ideal would be to return to deepen previous discussions. You will have a better understanding of your partner if you have one. A promising platonic friendship is imminent if you're alone!