What should be the purpose of dating?

[K888]

However, I think it was after exiting my first relationship that I felt a need for external validation, and it was through that I was able to start casual relationships without feeling weird.

What do you mean by this?

[Calebark]

What do you mean by this?

Through no fault of my ex-girlfriend, after the relationship I felt like it was impossible for me to be wanted as a person. Going out and being casual was a way of proving to myself that other people could want me in some manner. With regards to it suddenly not being weird, I suppose it's because since it made me feel good about myself (which is positive) I started associating it with those feelings rather than discomfort.