Your thoughts are very valid. I remember early on in our relationship with my now fiancee, when we were apart from school over summer breaks, it would seem as though they didn't exist. Granted, we had about forty to fifty minutes between us both--I was and am the only individual with a car---and I was very over-worked and overstimulated and overwhelmed by retail work. I sank into 'living' online because, at the present of my cramped house with my parents, it was the only escape. Even though we'd talk via the chat online, I could be short, curt, and sometimes downright rude only because my mind was just too involved in everything else.
Even currently, I struggle very hard with expressing comfort and empathy, much to their discouragement. And disappointment, at times, I expect. It's been a long near-decade for us both, and they've stuck with me despite my unknown autism all throughout.
I'm unsure if my words may prove helpful but I hope in some way this is of aid to you.