Embarrassing need for validation

Guys, I really don’t get WHY im this way? I’ve searched Reddit up and down for a better subreddit to post this on but this is what I could find.

I’m a young (adult) lady, and (not to sound shitty) get a lot of attention from guys. Like, a lot. I’m not lacking validation at all, because I get plenty!! But the real issues is that it’s ALL guys my age. It’s so embarrassing to admit, but I just want an actual older man to hold me and tell me im gonna be okay and im a good person. And not just oh like a guy that’s 28, like im talking 35-50 type situation. And it’s not just ‘oh daddy issues seeking attention’, as much as I know it seems that way. I like, cry so much every day just wanting some stupid older man to hold me and tell me it’s okay. I feel so shitty about myself and to think about a guy like that just appreciating me and wanting to keep me close literally makes my chest hurt.

I like to theorize it’s because my dad always ignored my mental health until lately, and that’s why I want the validation for my feelings, and just myself in general? But- I don’t know how to deal with it. Like genuinely. I just needed to SAY it somewhere.