A little validation goes a long way, but sometimes it’s hard to know what to say. After all, we can only compliment someone’s hairstyle or their golf swing so many times.
Next time you’re using validation (in real life or in fiction), try one of these approaches instead.
Ask an obvious question to let them answer it:
“Are you on your walk?” This validates their experience.State something about how they’re feeling:
“You must be sad, I would be too.” This validates their emotions.Affirm their actions:
“That was a good idea.” This validates their decisions.