Why Do Married Men Seek Validation From Others
By seeking male approval, we might undermine our own self-worth and become attracted to men who reinforce these superficial standards. | Last Updated: 30 December 2023One of the deepest insecurities and the surface level questions we ask ourselves is;
“Am I Enough? Do I have what it takes to be a Man.”
This is the deepest validation a Man keeps asking himself, and to me, till this day, I seek to hear this.
Our need for validation, starts very early in our childhood starts with the following;
- First, when we are told not to do something by our parents as a toddler.
- Then, when we accidentally assess risk – hot & cold, fire, current, slip, the first time you drown, rejection, ridicule, nasty comments, body shaming, got beaten, sarcasm, over discipline, schooling gone wrong, peer comparison, material possessions of others, wanting to have more, having less of something. Advertisements, social media, mistakes, losing money, failure, loss of a family member, grief, fear, guilt & shame. Created on Canva, these scenarios resonate deeply in the search for healthy relationships.
Is seeking validation a mental illness?
Seeking validation is not considered a mental illness by itself. It’s a normal human behavior where individuals seek affirmation of their worth or the correctness of their feelings and actions from others, a fundamental part of the concept of validation. This behavior can help reinforce social bonds and improve our understanding of social norms. Stop craving another person’s validation to build strong relationships.
However, excessively seeking validation can be problematic if it stems from or contributes to underlying psychological issues. For example, if someone’s need for validation is driven by very low self-esteem or is linked to intense fears of rejection or abandonment, it might indicate issues that could benefit from professional attention. Disorders like anxiety, depression, and personality disorders can sometimes manifest as an excessive need for validation from others.
In such cases, it’s not the behavior itself that might be classified as a mental illness, but rather the underlying emotional struggles driving that behavior. Therapy or counseling can often help individuals build self-esteem and develop healthier ways of relating to others.
What is needing validation a symptom of?
Needing validation can be a symptom of several psychological conditions, particularly when the need is excessive or chronic. It’s important to differentiate between normal social behaviors—like occasionally seeking reassurance from friends or loved ones—and more problematic patterns that may indicate underlying issues. Here are some conditions where needing excessive validation might be a symptom:
- Low Self-EsteemIndividuals with low self-esteem often rely heavily on others to affirm their worth because they may struggle to see their own value independently in the face of the male gaze.
- Anxiety Disorders: People with anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, might seek validation as a way to alleviate their fears and uncertainties about how they are perceived by others.
- Depression: Depression can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, prompting individuals to seek validation to counteract these negative self-perceptions.
- Personality Disorders: Certain personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), can manifest a strong need for validation. For example, individuals with BPD might seek constant validation due to fears of abandonment and unstable self-image. Those with NPD may seek validation to affirm their inflated self-image or special status.
- Attachment Issues: Early childhood experiences can influence attachment styles, and those with insecure attachments might find themselves frequently seeking validation from others as a way to secure and stabilize their relationships.
If the need for validation is affecting one’s quality of life, it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional. They can help identify the underlying causes and offer strategies to build more self-sufficiency and healthier interpersonal relationships.
What do you call someone who needs constant validation?
A person who needs constant validation doesn’t have a specific label or clinical term assigned to them in the context of everyday language. However, in informal discussions, such individuals might be described as having “high reassurance needs” or being “reassurance-seeking.” In psychological terms, when the need for constant validation is linked to personality traits or disorders, it might be related to terms such as “dependent,” “insecure,” or “validation-seeking” behavior.
If someone’s need for constant validation is significant and impacts their daily functioning or relationships, it could be indicative of underlying issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or attachment issues. In these cases, it is often helpful to seek professional advice to address the underlying causes and to learn healthier ways to build self-confidence and secure relationships.
What causes someone to seek validation?
Several psychological and social factors can drive someone to seek validation. Understanding these factors can help address the behavior more effectively, especially if it becomes excessive or problematic. Here are some common causes:
- Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem often rely on external validation to feel worthy or good enough because they struggle to internally affirm their own value.
- Insecure Attachment Styles: People with insecure attachment styles—often developed from early relationships with caregivers—may seek constant reassurance from others to feel safe and secure in their relationships.
- Social Conditioning: Cultural and societal expectations can condition individuals to seek validation as a means of confirming their success or worth according to socially accepted standards.
- Fear of Rejection or Abandonment: Those who fear rejection or abandonment might seek frequent validation as a way to reassure themselves that they are accepted and valued by others.
- Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety can lead to doubts about one’s own judgment and abilities, prompting frequent validation seeking. Similarly, depression might cause individuals to seek validation to counter feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy.
- Personality Disorders: Certain personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), often involve a significant need for validation from others. For BPD, it might be driven by an unstable self-image, and for NPD, it might stem from a need to uphold their self-esteem.
- Life Transitions or Stress: During periods of significant change or stress, such as career changes, relationship difficulties, or major life decisions, individuals may seek more validation than usual to navigate uncertainty and reaffirm their choices.
Understanding these triggers is crucial for addressing excessive needs for validation, either through self-help strategies, social support, or professional therapy, especially for men who may feel pressured to conform to societal expectations of manhood. It’s not just women who face these challenges. Building a stronger sense of internal validation can help reduce dependence on others for reassurance and promote more resilient self-esteem.
Why do men need so much validation?
The need for validation among men can be influenced by a variety of social, psychological, and cultural factors. Understanding why men might seek validation excessively can help in addressing the underlying needs or challenges they face. Here are some key reasons:
- Societal Expectations and Gender Roles: Traditional gender roles often emphasize strength, stoicism, and success as markers of masculinity. Men may feel pressured to meet these expectations and seek validation to confirm that they are living up to societal standards of what it means to be a man.
- Emotional Expression: Men’s opinions on emotional expression may differ, but it’s important to understand it’s not just women who struggle with this.: Men are often socialized to restrict emotional expressions and may not have the same opportunities as women to talk openly about their feelings. This can lead to seeking external validation as a form of reassurance about their choices and feelings.
- Competition and Comparison: In many cultures, men are encouraged to be competitive, leading to constant comparison with peers in terms of career success, physical prowess, or other achievements. Validation from others can serve as a measure of where they stand in these competitions, particularly in environments where a lot of men are vying for recognition.
- Insecurity and Self-Doubt: Like anyone else, men can experience insecurities and self-doubt, which might drive them to seek validation as a way to boost their self-esteem or feel more secure in their personal and professional lives.
- Fear of Failure: The fear of not living up to personal or societal expectations can be daunting. Stop craving validation to overcome this fear. Validation can help mitigate these fears by providing reassurance that they are on the right path or doing well.
- Lack of Emotional Support: If men feel they lack a supportive environment where they can discuss their vulnerabilities, they might seek validation as a substitute for more in-depth emotional support.
- Parenting and Role Models: Men’s early relationships with their parents or caregivers can also influence their need for validation. If they received conditional approval based on achievements or behavior as children, they might continue to seek similar validation as adults.
Addressing the need for validation in men involves encouraging more open communication about emotions, redefining masculine roles to include vulnerability and supportiveness, and fostering environments where men can express themselves freely and receive support without judgment. This can help reduce the excessive need for external validation and promote greater internal self-acceptance.
What does it mean when a man needs constant validation?
When a man needs constant validation, it typically indicates that he may be struggling with underlying emotional or psychological issues that affect his self-esteem and confidence.
Why do people crave validation so much?
People crave validation for a variety of psychological, emotional, and social reasons. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to this widespread need:
- Social Connection: Humans are inherently social beings, and validation from others helps to affirm our social connections and belonging in a group. It reassures us that we are accepted and appreciated within our social circles, which is crucial for emotional well-being.
- Self-Esteem and Identity: Validation can significantly boost self-esteem and help in the formation and reinforcement of identity. When others acknowledge our feelings, actions, or achievements, it reinforces our sense of self and can make us feel more confident and secure.
- Emotional Safety: Receiving validation can create a sense of emotional safety, helping individuals feel that their thoughts and feelings are understood and respected. This is particularly important in close relationships, where emotional validation is key to maintaining trust and intimacy.
- Reinforcement of Beliefs and Values: When our beliefs and values are validated by others, it not only reinforces these ideas but also strengthens our commitment to them. This form of validation is crucial in communities where shared values play a central role, especially among men who often seek approval from their peers.
- Mitigation of Doubt and Anxiety: Validation can help alleviate feelings of doubt and anxiety about one’s choices or abilities. It serves as a reassurance that one is on the right path, especially in situations of uncertainty or challenge.
- Learning and Growth: Especially in developmental stages or new endeavors, validation can be a form of feedback that informs individuals about the correctness or success of their actions. It helps in learning and adapting behaviors accordingly.
- Cultural and Societal Influences: Some cultures place a high emphasis on collective opinion and approval. Men’s opinions in these cultures also reflect societal values. In these environments, validation can be especially significant, and the desire for it can be more pronounced.
The craving for validation, while normal to a degree, can become problematic if it becomes excessive or if an individual relies solely on external validation to feel worthy or fulfilled. Developing a balance, where one can appreciate positive feedback but also rely on internal validation, is crucial for emotional and psychological health.
What is the meaning of “seeking validation from others”?
Seeking validation means we are taking our clarity of the right or wrong choice, and not trusting our own discernment to make that call.
As soon as we give away our power to make a clear decision; it’s like handing your power over to someone else. And this is one of the reasons why most men or women choose to stay in an abusive or toxic relationship because they are not willing to be honest with themselves, and ask the hard questions.
Because as long as we are seeking validation from others and their opinions, we often seek approval from our male counterparts and are not being true to ourselves. By seeking validation from others, and their opinions, we are telling them that “we” don’t know what is best for us.
That we are not confident in ourselves, our abilities, our choices, our decisions, and our life. That we are looking for approval and acceptance by others. A lot of men do not trust themselves.
What is male validation?
“Male validation” refers to the approval, recognition, or affirmation that men may seek from others to confirm their value, abilities, roles, or choices. This concept can be viewed from different angles:
- From Other Men: Men may seek validation from their male peers, mentors, or superiors as a form of social and professional acknowledgment. This can be important in contexts such as the workplace, sports, or other male-dominated environments where masculine traits and achievements are often highlighted and rewarded.
- From Women: It’s important to remember it’s not just women who seek validation; men do too.: Men may also seek validation from women in their lives, such as partners, family members, or colleagues. This can encompass a range of aspects, from their capabilities and success to their attractiveness and desirability.
- From Society: Broadly, male validation can also involve societal approval. Men may strive to fulfill traditional masculine roles—such as being providers, protectors, or leaders—to gain societal validation that reaffirms their masculinity according to cultural norms.
The need for male validation is influenced by various factors, including:
- Cultural and Social Norms: Societal expectations about what constitutes “masculine” behavior or success can pressure men to seek validation that they are living up to these ideals.
- Self-Esteem and Identity: Men, like anyone else, may have intrinsic doubts about their self-worth or abilities. Validation serves as a reassurance that they are valued and competent.
- Social ConditioningFrom a young age, boys might be conditioned to associate their value with achievement, strength, and stoicism, which plays into the broader concept of validation. This can lead to a continuous search for external validation to confirm these qualities.
- Interpersonal Relationships can suffer when individuals are focused on superficial validation rather than meaningful connections.: In personal relationships, especially in romantic partnerships, validation can be crucial for emotional connection and stability. Men may seek affirmation that they are good partners or fathers, which can significantly impact their self-perception and relationship satisfaction.
Understanding the dynamics and roots of male validation can help in addressing excessive dependence on external approval and promoting healthier, more self-sufficient attitudes towards self-worth and masculinity.
What makes male validation look like a problem?
While seeking validation is a normal human behavior, it becomes problematic when it overly dominates a person’s actions or self-perception, particularly for men. Excessive reliance on external validation can have several negative effects and manifest as a problem in various ways:
- Overdependence on Others’ Approval: If a man relies too heavily on validation from others to feel good about himself, it can lead to overdependence. This may hinder his ability to make decisions independently or maintain self-confidence without constant reassurance.
- Compromised Authenticity: In pursuit of external validation, men might suppress their true feelings, preferences, or values. This can lead to a life that feels unfulfilling or inauthentic, as they are constantly trying to conform to what they believe will earn them approval rather than what genuinely aligns with their identity.
- Relationship Strain can result from the superficial need for validation in interpersonal dynamics.: Excessive need for validation can put a strain on relationships. Partners or family members may feel overwhelmed or annoyed by the constant need to reassure or affirm the individual. This can lead to tension and conflict within relationships.
- Vulnerability to ManipulationMen who seek frequent validation may become vulnerable to manipulation, especially through dating apps or social media. Others might exploit their need for approval for personal gain, influencing them into actions that may not be in their best interest.
- Emotional and Psychological Stress: Continuously seeking validation can be emotionally exhausting and contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. It can generate a perpetual cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction, as external validation is often fleeting.
- Stifled Personal Growth often occurs when individuals are seeking their approval from others.Reliance on external validation can stifle personal growth and development, particularly in contexts where a lot of men feel pressured to conform. Men might avoid taking risks or trying new things for fear of disapproval, limiting their opportunities to learn, evolve, and genuinely understand their capabilities.
- Reinforcement of Stereotypes: Excessive validation-seeking might reinforce harmful stereotypes about masculinity, such as the idea that real men must always be strong, successful, or unemotional. This can perpetuate a narrow view of masculinity that restricts emotional expression and personal development.
Addressing excessive validation-seeking involves fostering greater self-awareness, building self-esteem, and developing healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with insecurity and self-doubt. Encouraging men to cultivate internal validation—appreciating their own worth and accomplishments independently—can lead to more balanced and fulfilling lives.
Why do men need to seek validation from others?
I am a firm believer that no one’s opinion matters except your own. It’s time to stop seeking validation from others, especially women. Seeking validation from others is destructive, childish, and weak.
Validation seeking is a woman’s way of getting attention. When men seek validation from women it ultimately leads to frustration, anger, and resentment. The reason why men don’t leave unsatisfactory relationships is because they are seeking validation from the woman.
The need for external validation is often mistaken as love and affection. People who seek validation from others are doing so because they don’t believe in themselves. For the longest time I was seeking validation from women.
Everywhere I went, I always had this little voice in the back of my head telling me whether I was good enough or not. If I ever got a ton of attention from a woman, it was like a drug. I would get a high from the attention I was getting and would serve by self doubt.Created on Canva
Seeking Validation from others; it is right or wrong and what do we do instead. And what is seeking validation look like. Where does this need come from and what can I do to stop taking validation.
Do we need validation from others?
The Fact is you may not need validation for every area of your life, but there could be some areas of your life that surely makes you ask for validation. And for some others, constant validation is the motto.
You don’t ask strangers for validation. You only ask for people you know, your friends, family and the communities you belong to.
And asking validation can be formal and informal, internal & external.
- Formal Validation: when you ask for validation from the boss or an authority, it’s different from seeking validation on reddit or dating apps.
- Informal Validation: when you ask validation from your friends and family.
Internal Validation: Is your intuition about how you feel what to do (also influenced by other factors like knowledge, expertise, fear, emotions, etc.). Worried that he doesn’t actually appreciate your intuition? Listen to yourself first.
Where should I use Internal Validation?
You should seek Internal Validation whenever you need it! Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between, Internal Validation can help you feel better and more confident.
If you are a person with Mood swings, it’s better to journal when you are in a good mood, and write down all the questions that bother you whenever it strikes you. So you don’t validate any question when your mood isn’t right, but when you are in a good mood, you will find answers for most questions, and can strike out the unwanted questions. It’s funny how much our mood can influence our perception.
Confirmation Bias
Now the problem with internal validation is that you might land in a confirmation bias. Confirmation bias happens when you seek facts through the lens of your beliefs and confirm the facts based on your belief to be right. It’s a mere mistake, but if the mistake takes a huge toll on your future, it’s better to seek expert advice. Don’t fret if you aren’t attracted to one solution immediately. Don’t fret if you aren’t attracted to one solution immediately.
External Validation: Is what you seek validation from others. It helps in acknowledging your strengths and emotions in the form of acknowledgement, compliment & well wishes.Created on Canva
Where should I seek External Validation & Why?
You need a healthy amount of external validation for your mental well-being, but how much is too much? You have to choose, if you should ask for advice or validation.
Sometimes, asking people for advice can sound better than a validation, because asking for advice puts them on an expert panel and usually people don’t mind giving the best advice.
External Validation should not sound like a dumb question. You could also put it as a situational question with few options. For example, are you worried that he doesn’t actually care about your opinions? For e.g. considering an appropriate attire for the party and asking it as a situational question can sound like “Given that the party is at xyz place, and the ambience and the crowd is abc, would it be better to go for black or green”. Sounds right!
If you are a person with a situation where you need to be dependent on someone for validation, choose wisely a choice of people within your family and friends, and ask for help, since your external validation should not piss them off.
Some people go to great extent for validation, by doing things that may not excite them, or risking their time and money to impress others, buying material possessions to show off. As they might have to spend time with you often to help you.
Problem with External Validation
External validation is a huge problem! We need to find a way to fix it!
- You will have to act in ways others feel appropriate, often succumbing to the male gaze in professional settings.
- This can lead to unhappiness, anxiety and confusion.
- Your own judgment may be right and still you will make mistakes
- You may feel like acting in your own way, but you will lose the courage to do it.
- Too much external validation can lead to depression.
- You may act in ways to get others to validate you, whether it’s by being funny, charming, or smart. I think that’s what we’re taught growing up. You act a certain way, and you’ll get a reward.
- If you’re smart, you’ll get praise. If you’re funny, you’ll be popular. If you’re charming, you’ll get the girl.
- But I have a problem with this type of validation. It’s short-lived.
Anytime someone praises you or criticizes you, it comes from their own point of view. And their perception of you is not the same as your perception of you. Created on Canva
Does seeking validation from others while in a relationship okay?
It’s okay to seek validation from others while in a relationship, but it’s important to be aware of why you’re doing it. Stop craving someone else’s approval for your peace of mind. If you’re constantly seeking validation from your partner, it may be a sign that you’re not confident in the relationship. Are you worried that he doesn’t actually love you? However, if you’re seeking validation from others in order to feel good about yourself, that’s okay. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you and your relationship.
Seeking Validation From Men
Seeking male validation is common for women, and is often considered normal for Men. This only happens in marriage and love, and generally there is not much of a problem, unless the validation game starts a conflict of interest.
Seeking Validation From Women
Seeking female validation for husbands is not so common. However, if both partners are working and high profile individuals, they share a healthy validation for each other. But if the husband is in an inferior position then he would certainly seek validation from his woman. Men who don’t have enough intimacy can use pleasing options with his wife and this can lead to validation from his woman.
Why do I seek validation from others?
It’s not uncommon for people to seek validation from others, especially in close relationships. However, it can become a problem if you’re constantly needing reassurance from your partner and are never satisfied with the level of support you receive. If you find yourself constantly seeking validation, it might be worth exploring what underlying insecurity or need is driving that behavior.
Is seeking validation bad?
There’s nothing inherently bad about seeking validation from others. However, it can become a problem if you’re constantly seeking approval from others and never feel good enough on your own. In that case, it’s important to learn to validate yourself so that you don’t rely too heavily on others for validation.
When you seek approval from others, it’s important to remember that everyone has different standards and opinions. What matters most is your own opinion of yourself. If you’re happy with who you are and what you’re doing, then that’s all that should matter.
What is a validation question?
A validation question is a question that is used to test whether something is true or not. For example, you might ask a friend if they think your new outfit looks good on you as a way of validating whether or not it looks good. Validation questions can be helpful in making decisions, but they can also be used to manipulate and control others.
What happens when you stop seeking validation?
When you stop seeking validation, you become more confident and self-assured. You no longer feel the need to constantly seek approval from others and instead trust your own judgment. This can lead to greater success and happiness in life as you are not held back by other people’s opinions.
How to not need others’ validation?
The best way to not need others’ validation is to learn to validate yourself. This means learning to accept yourself for who you are, even if you make mistakes. It also means setting your own standards and measuring yourself against them, rather than comparing yourself to others. When you can do this, you’ll find that you don’t need others to tell you that you’re good enough – you’ll already know it. It’s not just women who need to hear this.
What does it mean when you need validation from others?
Validation from others can mean different things for different people. For some, it may mean needing reassurance that they are on the right track in life or that their decisions are good ones. For others, it may mean needing approval from others in order to feel validated and good about themselves. Whatever the case may be, needing validation from others is usually a sign that someone is lacking self-confidence or self-esteem.
When should you not seek validation from others?
There are a few situations when it’s not a good idea to seek validation from others. If you’re constantly seeking validation, it can be a sign of low self-esteem. Also, if you’re seeking validation for things that are important to you, but that others may not understand or care about, you’re likely to be disappointed.
Examples of seeking validation
There are many ways that people seek validation. Some people may try to seek validation from others by seeking approval or attention. Others may try to seek validation through their achievements or possessions. Still others may try to seek validation by putting themselves in positions of power or influence. Ultimately, though, everyone is seeking validation in some way or another.
Effects of Seeking Validation
There are both positive and negative effects of seeking validation. On the positive side, validation can help boost our self-esteem and give us a sense of belonging. It can also help us feel more motivated to pursue our goals. However, there can also be negative consequences to seeking validation, such as becoming too reliant on the approval of others or feeling disappointed when we don’t receive the validation we were hoping for.
Seeking validation from others is a common human tendency. We all want to feel loved and accepted, and so we look to others for reassurance. Unfortunately, this can often backfire.
When we seek validation from others, we are essentially giving them power over us, which can complicate healthy relationships. This stops us from craving someone else’s approval continuously. We are saying that their opinion of us matters more than our own. This can lead to a feeling of insecurity and low self-worth.
There are a few potential negative effects of seeking validation from others. First, it can lead to a dependence on the approval of others, which can be unhealthy and make it difficult to make decisions independently. Second, it can create feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, as well as a fear of rejection or criticism. Finally, it can also lead to a sense of entitlement, where we expect others to always agree with us or give us the positive reinforcement we crave.
One of the potential negative effects of seeking validation is that it can lead to a sense of entitlement. When we feel entitled, we expect others to treat us in a certain way and can become disappointed or even resentful when they don’t. This can damage our relationships and make it difficult to find genuine connection, as we often seek validation rather than authenticity. Additionally, seeking validation can also lead to a dependence on the approval of others, which can be detrimental to our self-esteem and sense of worthiness.Created on Canva
Validation Seeking Behavior
There are a few ways that we can seek validation. The most common way is through seeking approval, attention, or recognition. When we’re seeking approval, we’re essentially looking for positive feedback or praise from others. This can include asking people to confirm that we’ve done something right or trying to win their favor so that they will like us.
When we’re seeking attention, we’re essentially looking for attention or recognition from others. We may try to make ourselves the center of attention, or we may try to get others to focus on us in some way, especially on dating apps or social media. This can include talking about ourselves a lot or making our accomplishments known.
When we’re seeking recognition, we’re essentially looking for some kind of status or acknowledgement from others. We may try to elevate our status by putting ourselves in a position of power or influence, or we may try to win prestige and accolades for our achievements.
As a Man, how can I stop looking for validation?
To reduce the reliance on external validation and cultivate a stronger sense of self-validation, there are several effective strategies you can consider. These methods focus on enhancing self-awareness, boosting self-esteem, and fostering a healthier emotional landscape:
- Develop Self-Awareness: Start by reflecting on why you seek validation. Understanding the emotions and situations that trigger your need for approval can help you address them more constructively. Journaling, mindfulness, and meditation can aid in developing greater self-awareness.
- Set Personal Goals and remind yourself that you don’t need male approval to feel validated.: Focus on personal achievements that align with your values and interests, rather than seeking to fulfill external expectations. Setting and accomplishing personal goals can boost your self-confidence and reduce the need for external validation.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Recognize that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
- Affirm Your Own Worth, especially in environments dominated by the concept of validation.: Regularly practice positive self-affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements. This can help shift your focus from external approval to internal appreciation.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Instead of looking for approval, seek feedback that helps you grow. Constructive feedback can be more valuable than simple validation because it is geared towards improvement and learning, serving as a foundation for healthy relationships.
- Build Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your true self, without conditions. Supportive relationships can help you feel valued for who you are, not just for what you accomplish or provide.
- Limit Social Media Consumption: Social media often amplifies the need for validation through likes and comments. Reducing your time on these platforms can diminish the pressure to seek external validation.
- Engage in Activities that Boost Confidence: Participate in activities where you feel competent and in control. This could be a hobby, sport, or creative pursuit. Success in these areas can enhance your self-esteem and reduce the need to seek approval from others.
- Seek Professional Help: If the need for validation is deeply rooted and affects your quality of life, consider speaking with a therapist. Professional guidance can help you understand and overcome the issues driving your need for external approval.
By implementing these strategies, you can gradually build a stronger sense of self-worth that relies less on external validation and more on internal confidence and self-acceptance.
Final Thoughts
The Fact is We will never stop seeking validation from others. It’s just impossible. Instead, seek validation for better reasons and from better people”.
The following is what can be done to control our Mental Health;
- Control your emotions, through mediation, journaling and learning.
- If you are going through a difficult period of life, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, slow down! Yes, slow down.
- Talk to your family and confide with someone you trust.
- Choose a Mentor and get into accelerated learning.
- Gather Courage, start small acts, make mistakes and learn
- Your own gut feelings will give you the confidence in improving the choices you make in life.