Validation

Part of our needs as humans is to get validation along the way to assure us and make us feel approved of.
We sought this validation and approval from our parents and peers when we were children, and we never really let go of that need when we had to "grow up."

Limit the amount of approval you need from other people.

You can't worry too much about what other people think about you. It's easy to go through life
seeking approval and never really accomplish anything because you're trying to please everyone. You can't, and it's a belief that you must leave behind.
(Willie Loman in "Death of a Salesman" fails to achieve for this same reason. He thinks it's better to be liked that to achieve worthwhile goals.)

What this means for you in dating is that you need to be able to communicate, through subtle and not-so-subtle methods, that you do not need her approval. A woman will not feel attracted to a man if she feels she has

power over his sense of self-esteem.

How do you communicate this?

One way is to find and pursue your own personal interests. This can be as simple as a hobby or a sport interest, like swimming or weight training.

The best way you can demonstrate your independence is to have goals outside of a relationship. Having a personal direction or mission is immensely attractive for a woman. It shows women that you have a life outside of pursuing them. Hint at a depth they need to explore.

The more you seek approval and validation, the more it will elude you.