There’s a canned answer you often see in response to this type of question: work on yourself, first.
The most annoying thing about that answer is that it’s true. Even if it is a cliche.
You have given up on finding a partner, but have not really let go of the idea and still grieve over it. And you’re right, being touch starved is an actual thing and it’s a very hard, very depressing thing. All of this is 100% understandable. It’s perfectly normal and natural. It’s a very strong instinct, need, and desire to crave companionship.
But as you have said yourself (and this shows a lot of maturity and wisdom on your part): you can’t control other people. They either like you or they don’t. They’re either available or they’re not.
So try to focus on another truth: many people live happy, rich, rewarding lives on their own. It just takes work and practice, like anything else. They typically find something that drives them, engages them, and gives them purpose. Whether it’s religion or charity work or volunteering or climbing a mountain or composing a symphony…well that part is entirely up to you. But try to find it, whatever it is, and get to work on it.
And some of those people, on rare occasions, get lucky and find someone to be a companion along the way. Usually when they were not looking for anyone, or had even given up on it. You can’t expect this to happen for you. It’s rare. But it can and does happen. Your chances are better when you are working on that specific THING that drives you and not chasing after ephemeral general “happiness”.
And you may never find a romantic partner. But you can still make friends with people. And friendships are wonderful. Friendship may feel like a “snack” when you really need a “meal” but a snack is far, far, better than starvation. And friendships often form when you are pursuing that thing, whatever that thing is for you.
And here’s a final truth that doesn’t help you directly, but should give you some perspective: there are many, many, many people in romantic relationships and they are absolutely miserable. Getting into a romantic relationship is one thing, staying in one is another, and getting out of one is yet another. Having a romantic partner is great…but it also brings even more challenges and problems along for the ride. It doesn’t really “solve” the working on you problem.