as i move out of my comfort zones and engage socially with people who i used to consider better than me, how can i cope with and process going without the constant validation i reactively feel like i need in these situations?

Prince of Disks

Take things slow. But don’t over plan things. But do not let
your guard down, either. There are politics in every circle. Also, don’t be so
damned worried about keeping up with them. There’s at least one of them who
doesn’t have their shit together as well as you do.