How to date a person that tends to run away from love due to fear of getting hurt?

Some people have been soo very badly hurt that they are literally petrified of it happening again. I do believe that it can kill you to be in fear of having your heart break again. It's stressful for us people that have been hurt, even though we want love soo badly we still fear the rejection. It rips you apart like nothing else you've ever experienced in your life. When my ex bf broke up with me, I felt like I was going to die. I couldn't handle the stress so I talked myself into believeing that I was no good and no one would ever love me. I let myself go completely. Gained all sorts of weight back and felt worthless. I know how it feels and it's not good at all. It takes a pretty special person to come around and make you feel good about yourself again. For me, I haven't been soo fortunate to find anyone and still am alone day and night for what it seems like forever. I dont see any rainbows anymore. I dont see anything good anymore. I ve completely lost my spirit and even though I try I cant get it back. It can destroy you.