Doug NollI'm called in when human dynamics are getting in the way of strategic leadership execution.

How to Actually Validate Someone's Feelings

23 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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0:35

In this brief instructional video, the speaker challenges the common misconception that emotional validation means agreeing with someone. He clarifies that validation is simply acknowledging that a person's emotions make sense, without taking sides or trying to fix the situation. By showing understanding and putting oneself in the other’s shoes, the speaker explains that the listener’s brain calms down, allowing clearer thinking within about a minute because the person feels safe. He emphasizes that validation is a sign of emotional strength, not weakness, and encourages viewers to save the video for future reference.

Chapters

8 out of 10 people think they know what emotional validation means, but they're all wrong. You see, most people think validation means agreeing with someone, but that's not true. Validation just means showing that their emotions make sense. You're not picking sides or fixing anything. You're simply showing that you understand what it's like to be in their shoes. When you do that, something powerful happens. Their brain starts to calm down, and within about a minute, they can think clearly again because they feel safe. Safe. So you see, validation doesn't make you weak. Instead, it makes you emotionally strong. Save this video so you can come back to it later.