EmPowered Couples with The Freemans Do Spouses Need to Validate Every Feeling or Emotional Upset? Episode 416
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Sep 30, 2025 In this insightful discussion, the hosts explore the delicate balance between validating feelings and offering solutions in marriage. They clarify that validation doesn’t mean agreeing, but rather understanding your partner's emotional experience. Listeners learn how perceived invalidation can escalate conflicts and why it’s crucial to prioritize emotional connection before jumping to logic. The conversation emphasizes that true collaboration starts with active listening, creating space for understanding, and fostering a safe environment for resolving issues.
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Validation Can Become The Conflict
- Validation often triggers conflict when one partner says “you’re not validating me” and the other reacts emotionally.
- That reaction cycle becomes the main conflict, not the original issue.
Seek Understanding Before Agreement
- Don’t force your partner to agree; aim to understand their emotional experience instead.
- Ask gentle clarifying questions to learn why the event triggered them rather than debating facts.
Mirror The Impact, Then Pause
- Mirror your partner’s feeling by restating the action and its emotional impact before offering solutions.
- Pause to let the acknowledgement land so they feel heard.