Validation: The Key to Emotional Connection

What is Validation?

Validation is the practice of acknowledging and affirming your partner’s emotions without judgment. It doesn’t mean you always agree—it means you recognize that their feelings make sense in their experience.

Examples of Validation in Relationships

  • "Your feelings make sense."

  • "I hear you."

  • "I understand you."

  • "I’ve felt this before too. You’re not alone."

  • "You have every right to be upset. I’m right here."

  • "I know it hurts."

  • "Your ideas matter to me."

  • "You’re not too much. I like showing up for you."

Resources for Strengthening Your Relationship

Secure Love by Julie Menanno for deeper insights into attachment and emotional connection.
The Attachment 101 Course to explore how attachment impacts relationships.
Julie’s Group for live discussions on relational dynamics.
Coaching Sessions for personalized support in improving communication and connection.

Validation is a small shift that makes a big difference. When in doubt—just let your partner know they’re not alone.

Validation is not about agreeing—it’s about letting your partner know their feelings make sense and they are not alone.
— Julie Menanno

Other Posts You Might Like:

Julie Menanno MA, LMFT, LCPC

Julie Menanno, MA is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Relationship Coach. Julie operates a clinical therapy practice in Bozeman, Montana, and leads a global relationship coaching practice with a team of trained coaches. She is an expert in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and specializes in attachment issues within relationships.

Julie is the author of the best-selling book Secure Love, published by Simon and Schuster in January 2024. She provides relationship insights to over 1.3 million Instagram followers and hosts The Secure Love Podcast, where she shares real-time couples coaching sessions to help listeners navigate relational challenges. Julie also hosts a bi-weekly discussion group on relationship and self-help topics. A sought-after public speaker and podcast guest, Julie is dedicated to helping individuals and couples foster secure, fulfilling relationships.

Julie lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of 25 years, their six children, and their beloved dog. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, Pilates, reading psychology books, and studying Italian.

https://www.thesecurerelationship.com/
Previous
Previous

3 Tips to Help Your Anxious Partner Feel More Secure

Next
Next

Navigating Relationship Challenges: Answers to Common Questions