When we are validated, do we feel heard and understood? In validating others, are we able to identify with others’ emotions, and do we justify those emotions back to them? Do we validate others, even when we might not agree with them? How central is validation to meaningful connection, both with ourselves and others? What are your thoughts?
What are we listening to this week?
This week we are listening to “Validation – The Most Powerful Relationship Skill You Were Never Taught”. This is an episode of Michael S. Sorensen’s “I Hear You” podcast.
Sorensen explores how crucial validation is to connection, both with ourselves, and others. He points out that validation is not necessarily about agreeing with someone else. In fact, he claims validation can be our “best friend” when we do not agree with others.
The podcast takes the art of validation back to understanding emotion, and justifying it to those who have expressed it. It is about sharing in others’ excitement, asking questions, and fueling energy. Therein, Sorensen claims, lies our deeper connection, to each other, and to ourselves.
Listen to Validation – The Most Powerful Relationship Skill You Were Never Taught. (43 minute listen)
What are we looking at this week?
We are looking at an infographic from the Present Psychologist on how to validate someone’s feelings. It is an interesting visual that highlights some of the pitfalls we can fall into when we try to validate others.
Look at the Present Psychologist’s post on Instagram.
Who are we quoting this week?
“People want to be validated. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with them. It means you have to make them feel heard. And once you master that, everything changes.”
– Brendan Bouchard
This quote from Brendan Burchard explains how validation is a game-changer. This description of validation is very similar to our CLEAR skill of Acceptance. We recognize that there are many ways to live our lives, and that we don’t have to agree with everything someone else says or does. You can learn more about Acceptance on our website.
