I want to enjoy socializing, relating, connecting with others without them relating back to me, or validating me, giving me friendship, or whatever else that I'd enjoy apart from the relationship itself.

simpcore wrote:

I want to enjoy socializing, relating, connecting with others without them relating back to me, or validating me, giving me friendship, or whatever else that I'd enjoy apart from the relationship itself.

How are people supposed to relate positively with you without relating to you, validating you, being friendly, etc?

In other words, I would like to learn how to enjoy others, NOT because of the perks that come from it, but for its own sake.

simpcore wrote:

In other words, I would like to learn how to enjoy others, NOT because of the perks that come from it, but for its own sake.

I'm probably not in the best frame of mind to understand the question. What is it, exactly, that you would be enjoying when you are enjoying others for its own sake?

When I go to social occasions where I don't know anyone I find the best way to enjoy it is to go with the goal of 'finding people interesting'. 'Finding interesting people' can work but is more hit and miss.

When that is my goal I ask them about themselves and find out more about the things that make them get excited. For example Ask someone where they went on holiday and most of the reply will be fairly flat, but there will be something in the reply that seems to make them come alive. Ask them what they really liked about that thing and they become even more alive. Focus on what excites them and they will become more interesting.
It is also an interesting exercise in noticing the points at which people bloom. A great skill to have for almost any activity.

simpcore wrote:

I want to enjoy socializing, relating, connecting with others without them relating back to me, or validating me, giving me friendship, or whatever else that I'd enjoy apart from the relationship itself.

Why,exactly?

Do you mean you want to enjoy the experience of meeting people and getting to know them, even if it doesn't lead anywhere... even if they end up not liking you?

simpcore wrote:

I want to enjoy socializing, relating, connecting with others without them relating back to me, or validating me, giving me friendship, or whatever else that I'd enjoy apart from the relationship itself.

What do you do now?

simpcore wrote:

I want to enjoy socializing, relating, connecting with others without them relating back to me, or validating me, giving me friendship, or whatever else that I'd enjoy apart from the relationship itself.

What is happening to you such that you want something different.

What are other people doing that you don't want? Do you have some examples?

John

Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one

If you're not going out at present,you could always read a book that might offer some hints as to the potential benefits,Fritjof Capra's "The web of life",for instance.