Amen girl! I agree. That is one reason I am so proud of my daughter being one of the youngest 1st degree black belts, in Karate. Karate has truly helped her develop things like sefl-confidence, leadership and pride in herself. The best part ishe does not need a man to validate her as a woman.
I also agree with your second observation. It is a term I coined, "CALLED LOVE HUNGER." The way I see it many women have this .
heart tank. Think of a heart tank like a gasoline tank. All tanks after awhile, become low or empty. They have to be filled. Right?
Now the question is what will you fill your tank with? You can chose to fill it up with healthy and functional gas. i.e. taking a class of interest, developing a hobby, expanding your horizons, getting involved in a club, bowling league in order to grow and cut down the feelings of isolation.
Or the other choice is you can chose to fill your tank with unhealthy dysfunctional behaviors, like bad gas, it will always damage your insides. This inside damage leads to a vicious cycle, at first you feel good and enjoy the taste of attention, but afterwards you have feeling and even emptier pain inside you, because not only was the gas your chose bad for you it made you realize just how needy you are. Its like eating cotton candy, at first it tastes good, but after awhile, you don't feel satisfied. You like the taste at first, then hate yourself afterwards.
Thank you for you wonderful feed back and ideas. This way we all grow as we read and learn from one another. I am happy to write if you feel it helps let me know. However, i do not consider myself a good write, just a person with passion and compassion for others.
Doc.