I can say with confidence that I've seen it in person once. It wasn't reciprocated, but while the relationship ended, the love is still there. It's the day to day acceptance of fact and the reinforcement of the fact that I'm still alive, and life is actually pretty cool when I let myself stop and think about things that are coming up soon, that as a project, occupies the majority of my time lately.
It doesn't get any easier day to day, but it aches a little less... and for that, while I'm not happy, I am contented.