4 Steps To Emotional Validation (4 of 4)

Step Four: Validate Their Feelings

This final step is exactly what you think: you want to assure the person that everything they are feeling has merit. You can say things like “That is a lot to handle,” “How you feel is totally understandable,” “I feel the same way,” or even “You have my full support.” If there is ever a time when they need to hear these things, it is now. 

If you are the one going through a difficult crisis, remind yourself that you are not expected to simply get over it. You must recognize that you’ll go through a series of emotions and at some point you will overcome it. When you go through a temporary down period, permitting yourself to experience emotions is the path to recovery. 

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, toxic positivity has become prevalent, and you might even know some “You’re taking it way too hard” or “Always look on the bright side of life” folks. If they ever say these invalidating things to you, remind yourself that no matter what they say, your feelings are valid.