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I've been spending a lot of time in the Heartstopper tag(s) while I've been sick. It's so wholesome and fun! I noticed something though:
A lot of people of all different ages have reacted to this show by thinking about how they never had, and never will have, "that."
Whether "that" is Nick and Charlie, or "that" is the friend group, or "that" is coming out in a supportive way, or "that" is the caring and supportive mentor / sibling / parents ...there's this overwhelming theme of loss and loneliness (and assumption that no one else will get it, and from adults, guilt about being so into a show about teenagers) that breaks my heart.
I think there's a lot of strength to be pulled from this story if you look beyond the "oh no, I'm experiencing nostalgia for something I've never had" feeling. The representation goes deeper and wider than just queer identities. It ranges from experiences as deep and scary as suicide ideation (however abstractly stated) to the comparatively simple but super relatable problem of being extremely awkward and showing how much you care in ways that others may find frustrating or unhelpful. (There's even more in the comics, but I'm trying to stay focused on the show.) They show us that anyone and everyone deserves to be happy, to have a good community, to be supported and loved.
"But I'm not in high school anymore—"
That doesn't matter. It really doesn't. I don't think it's ever too late to find friends and build community and be yourself and actually live your life...but god damn, I know it's hard as hell. It requires breaking down so many barriers and overcoming so many fears. I get it. I'm struggling with the difficult problem of how to do that myself.
It can be done though.
And maybe there are a lot more people out there that feel the same way you do than you think.