<p>I enjoy going to parties, but more for the grinding (lol) than merely socializing. I do enjoy meeting and talking to new people, but I probably prefer dancing unless there’s romantic potential with the person I’m talking to. The reason I’m concerned is that I feel like I’m somehow seeking male validation. When I go out I feel like I’m looking to get my “fix” and I’m not having as much fun if a guy I find attractive is not dancing or flirting with me. Of course I do have fun with my female friends or platonic male friends, but sometimes it feels like it’s not as fun, exciting, or gratifying. That said, I do have boundaries so I’m not promiscuous and I don’t “leave” with any of these guys. So my question is when is it okay to enjoy partying/grinding and when is it feeding an unhealthy self-esteem issue?</p>
<p>For clarification, academically I’m good so this is not a time management issue.</p>
<p>If partying is somehow making you more dependent on male validation, then you probably ought to consider two things. If you are comfortable with being dependent on male validation, then party the hell out of the night. If you aren’t comfortable with that trend, then you probably should take a break from that type of partying until you sense that you are ready to party with a different mindset.</p>
<p>I don’t see anything wrong with this situation, and the only time I can think of it being “wrong” or “unhealthy” is when it starts affecting your academics and probably when you get really overly emotional if you do not get the validation you want.</p>
<p>Everyone, in some way, seeks validation. You do what you have to do to feel comfortable and okay with yourself, but like everything else, moderation is key.</p>
<p>I can only see it being an issue if it’s interfering with your social relationships or your academics. </p>
<p>If you become dependent on it (as in, you start feeling unattractive because you haven’t partied in awhile and are receiving less male validation), then it’s definitely a problem.</p>