A short transcript excerpt from a YouTube podcast episode about human skills for forming genuine connections. Two speakers discuss overcoming social anxiety and shifting focus from seeking validation to offering validation—making others feel seen, heard, and understood.
What are some of the really great human skills that you've learned that actually do help in genuine connection?
Stop worrying about what other people think of you and start realizing that they're worrying about what you think of them. I was really worried. I was walking around, look at that guy. He's short, he's got a big nose. He's like a nerd, he's a loser, whatever it is. And then you realize, no, they're all worrying about being judged by you. So instead of trying to take validation from other people. Giving people validation.
Yeah. That is such a brilliant insight. And to operate from that point of view and to make somebody feel seen or heard or understood is about the best thing you can give to someone.