Understanding Emotional Validation
Matthew Fray discusses the importance of emotional validation in relationships and how failing to consider the impact we have on others can lead to trust erosion. He emphasizes the need to develop a habit of validating our partners and being a safe space for them to communicate their needs.In this clip
From this podcast
The Mark Groves Podcast
#198: This is How Relationships End with Matthew Fray
Related Questions
Am I right to leave my ex-husband for being too reliant on me, to the point that I felt I had to be less myself to try and make him feel secure, as discussed in the episode #198: This is How Relationships End with Matthew Fray and the clip Emotional Trust and Invalidation?
Can you be specific about how to utilize active listening, and why it's important? My partner doesn't seem to think it might not be healthy or productive to allow the hurt partner to have their "moment in the spotlight" while discussing that person's hurt or concern. For example, if I come to him with something I'm sad about, he responds with comments about how I do that too, or how I do XYZ and it hurts him, or else he will bring up how he hasn't healed from the dinner with the ex. He also seems to consider every disagreement or discussion about relationship issues that need a compromise as a "fight," and he often gets very angry, starts yelling, and tells me to leave the room.
He gets defensive immediately, even if I'm careful to use "I" statements and avoid personalizing anything. It feels like any concern or issue I raise is perceived as an attack, despite my efforts to remind him that I'm his teammate. He frequently defers to comments like, "Oh, because you're always right, huh?" or accuses me of manipulating the situation because I'm a lawyer and he's not. When I seek advice from others, he often dismisses it as me being bossy or cocky.