Emotional validation in relationships is a major sign of a healthy bond. It happens when a couple understands and loves each other.
It helps your relationship blossom and grow truly closer. However, many individuals don’t understand the concept or how to emotionally validate their partners, making their relationships slowly decline.
So, if you’re also unaware of this concept, then this article will help you out! So come on, let’s get started!
What is emotional validation in relationships?
In relationships, emotional validation is the act of understanding someone’s experiences or thoughts to make them feel respected.
When you validate your partner’s emotions, you give them a sense of warmth. They understand that they are not alone in their battles and you’re always ready to help them out.
Validating your partner’s emotions doesn’t always mean that you blindly agree with everything they say. Rather, you demonstrate that you understand why they feel that way and what can be done to make them feel better.
Wondering why emotional validation is so hyped these days? Let’s find out here…
Why is Emotional Validation Important in Relationships?
In any relationship, emotional validation is when you acknowledge each other’s thoughts, desires, and fears. This lets you know each other and your own emotions better.
It helps both partners to feel loved and heard. Ultimately, you build a strong long-term relationship with your partner.
For instance, when there’s emotional validation in relationships, you say:
“I understand why you feel so irritated right now, and I’m ready to talk about it,”
And not:
“What’s the big deal?” or “Grow up!”
This way, your partner won’t feel embarrassed or ashamed of speaking their thoughts out loud. Emotional validation strengthens a person’s sense of self-worth, even when they are going through a tough time.
So, does your relationship have emotional validation? Check the signs here…
Signs of Emotional Validation in Relationships
Since emotional validation isn’t something you can see or touch, it becomes a little difficult to recognize. However, if you pay close attention to your partner’s words and actions when you’re going through something, you can pick up some signs like these.
If you both can open up to each other without feeling scared and embarrassed, it is a big hint that your relationship is healthy!
Despite what it is, if your partner always listens and understands your viewpoints, then there’s emotional validation.
2. You feel loved and valued
Yes, people often feel loved by their partners, but many of them don’t really feel valued. For example, if your partner keeps dismissing your words or thinks that you’re behaving childishly when you say something that upsets you, it won’t ever make you feel valued.
On the other hand, if they try to ease your troubles and share your burdens, there’s emotional validation.
3. They support you all the time
Here again, it’s important to understand that supporting you is very different from blindly agreeing with what you say.
If your partner validates you, they’ll listen but also tell you if you’re going wrong.
4. You feel braver with them
Suppose you’re in a large crowd. There’s no reason to be afraid, but you’re nervous. But when you look at your partner, it makes you feel stronger.
If you feel you can conquer the world with their love in these situations, then it’s a big sign right there!
5. You feel better after sharing your thoughts
Suppose you’ve just received a promotion, and your partner becomes as happy as you. Or, they become equally sad when you fail.
Despite the situation, they always try to make you feel good. They let you know that you have the potential to do anything that you want and that they’ll stand by you.
If this sounds familiar, your partner emotionally validates you!
However, do you feel there’s no emotional validation from your side? Keep reading to change for the better…
How to Practice Emotional Validation in Relationships?
It’s not difficult to practice emotional validation. But it can take time for some people to get the hang of it. So come on, let’s see how you can practice and promote this lovely quality!
1. Acknowledge their emotions first
Identify and acknowledge what emotions your partner is feeling.
For example, if they seem quieter than usual, don’t simply assume that they’re angry with you.
Instead, ask them why they’re upset. Use phrases like, “You seem a little angrier today. Would you like to talk about it?”
2. Avoid using invalidating sentences
Sentences like, “Why are you making an issue out of it?” or “Come on, stop taking things so seriously!” can upset your partner much more than you know.
Even though these phrases might seem supportive, they’re actually invalidating your partner’s feelings.
Therefore, be careful about what you say and how you phrase your words, especially since your partner will be more sensitive during this time.
3. Don’t offer advice unless asked
One major mistake that people make while practicing emotional validation is to offer unwanted advice.
Remember, your job as a partner is to support your soulmate, not solve their problems. Even if your partner’s demands seem unreasonable to hot-headed, don’t bring that up or offer advice. Otherwise, it will only make things more complicated.
4. Pay attention to their body language
Now, this might not seem like much, but it can give you lots of hints about how to validate their emotions.
For example, if they’re anxious about something and they are constantly fidgeting, you can hold their hands gently to show your support.
Conversely, if they act like they don’t want to be touched or hugged, then it’s best to respect that decision.
5. Pay attention to your body language too
Keep your posture open and comfortable when they’re talking to you. Make sure you’re maintaining eye contact.
Small non-verbal language, such as nodding when they’re talking or smiling, can go a long way. It shows that you care about their opinions. And that your partner can openly share their feelings with you.
6. Ask follow-up questions
Follow-up questions are a great way to show that you’re interested in your partner’s thoughts. And this works especially well if they are sharing happy news with you.
However, make sure not to ask too many questions, as that can seem annoying. Further, don’t ask forceful questions. Make sure you listen to them carefully and then pop in with little doubts of your own.
7. Pay attention to what they say
Practice active listening and give your full attention to your partner when they talk, especially if it’s a disturbing or traumatic incident.
For example, if you’re both sitting down and talking about it, don’t look at your phone or give your attention to other things.
If your partner sees that you’re truly interested, they’ll automatically feel validated.
8. Accept their statements
Sometimes, when your partner is vulnerably expressing their feelings to you, they might say or do things that you won’t agree with.
However, it’s important to keep yourself calm and not rush into conclusions. Accept their statements and tell yourself that your partner might not be thinking rationally at the present.
You can even say things like, “I understand where you’re coming from, and I accept that.”
9. Don’t blame anyone
If your partner might blame or disrespect someone, try to understand how much to validate their feelings. Understand their views but do it in a way that doesn’t lay the blame on the other person.
Avoid bringing up similar past agitating situations. Focus on whatever your partner is talking about in the present. This will calm them down and make them feel better.
10. Show little gestures of appreciation
You might already know this, but small gifts or tokens can be a great way to practice and promote validation.
For example, if your partner has had an exceptionally rough day, cook them a nice meal or give them a calming massage.
Or if they’ve received a promotion at work, buy them their favorite chocolate. You won’t have to spend too much, but your partner will feel immensely valued.
A word from ThePleasantRelationship
Emotional validation is a must-have in romantic relationships. It’s an unspoken language shared between two people who love and value each other.
If your partner doesn’t emotionally validate you, communicate about your needs. Go ahead and try to establish it in your bond!
Are you interested to know more about ‘Red String of Fate’ then click here?
