Why is my need for male validation so strong?

I'm a 25 y.o. woman. (turned recently). Literally everything I do is based on male approval/ validation.

Background: I come from a conservative culture where there was a lot of gender segregation especially up till I was 22-23. Sex (premarital, specifically) is a huge taboo here, and dating has just begun. I'm from a relatively liberal family which is why I do not have any 'restrictions' on dating. I'm still not sexually active and prefer to save for marriage.

I have a good career and am financially independent. I was always academically inclined. But recently, ever since turning 24, everything I do is for male validation. If there are group hangouts, i'm reluctant to go unless there will be men also. I'm overly "perfect" around them so that they all view me as a catch. I'm literally obsessed, male validation & attention are like my drug; my hobbies, clothes, even physique (workouts in gym), perfumes are all for impressing men. It's like a game of impressing as many men as possible, but causes me extreme distress too (my day is ruined if a man doesnt validate me. I have extremely negative thoughts / depressive tendencies).

I wasnt this way till 23, I was taught it's bad to be involved with men before marrying. Now, I'm at the opposite extreme. What's wrong with me?