We often seek male validation in order to feel better about ourselves or to secure our place in a social hierarchy, such as at work or within a friend group. Resist the desire for male validation by bolstering your own self-esteem. Make a list of things you like about yourself and go after your dreams and goals.
Why do you need constant validation? Dr Kocchar explains, “People crave attention for a variety of reasons, including normal emotional development, low self-esteem, and, in some extreme cases, the presence of personality disorders.
This can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, as we are no longer taking responsibility for our own happiness. Finally, seeking validation from others can prevent us from developing a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
Dating a partner who needs constant validation and reassurance is a massive red flag. Their persistent need for acceptance is typically linked to their strong desire for attention (via Health Shots). They might eventually turn into someone who showcases unintentional and subtle signs of abuse.
In a nutshell, male validation is where women value the opinions – especially praise and sexual attention – of men more than they respect their perspectives or those of other women or non-binary people.
' Basically, wanting to feel validated by the opposite sex – if you're straight, that is – is pretty normal. But, when your whole self worth is hinged on whether men find you attractive, funny, intelligent, etcetera, that's when it becomes a problem.
For people with histrionic personality disorder, their self-esteem depends on the approval of others and doesn't come from a true feeling of self-worth. They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed and often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention.
(Yes, men need it just as much as women). We need to feel heard, understood, and appreciated; and that feeling comes—in large part—from validation. Validation is, in essence, the act of helping someone feel heard and understood.
It is easy to confuse validation and reassurance, and there is some overlap between the two. With validation, you are explaining why their anxiety makes sense given the situation. Reassurance often involves simply telling someone that their feared outcome is not going to happen.
An excessive need for validation may also be a symptom of other mental health conditions, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).
Insecure people feel a constant need to validate their worth through others' opinions. They try to seek others' approval over their personality or work. They look for likes, comments and compliments from people and only feel happy when others acknowledge them.
Studies show a link between seeking approval from others, low self-esteem, and social media addiction. Social media use can trigger a cycle of continuously seeking out approval online and self-doubt that can impact self-esteem.
The opposite of external validation is giving permission.
Narcissists seek endless validation, attention, and praise to compensate for low self-esteem, confidence, and a perceived lack of acceptance. These struggles are often a result of early childhood trauma and attachment issues. Typically, the narcissist did not receive enough love as a child.
Dependent personality disorder usually starts during childhood or by the age of 29. People with DPD have an overwhelming need to have others take care of them. Often, a person with DPD relies on people close to them for their emotional or physical needs. Others may describe them as needy or clingy.
Causes of low self-esteem
Unhappy childhood where parents (or other significant people such as teachers) were extremely critical. Poor academic performance in school resulting in a lack of confidence. Ongoing stressful life event such as relationship breakdown or financial trouble.