Validation

It is such a simple thing, but such an important thing. Just think about it. Have you ever expressed how you feel to be told that you "don't know what you are talking about"? I hate it when people do this. First and foremost it is rude. No one has the right to tell someone else how they feel. No one has the right to tell someone else that what they feel is not valid or important.
It is such a simple thing to say "I understand where you are coming from." Seven simple words and someone instantly is validated. Please, please, please do not invalidated anyone, ever! I think that is one of the worse things that you can do to a person. I understand that there are heated situations, and people get emotional. I believe that it is at these times particularly that we need to really be open-minded and aware of other people and their feelings. You may not agree, but that does not mean that you can't listen.
What can happen when you don't validated someones feelings? They will shut down, and not want to share with you anymore. They can become closed off, not just to you, but to other people too because they do not see the purpose in expressing how they feel. It is sad to me to see people like that.
Anyways- that is just something that has been on my mind the last couple of days. Here is a cute video about validation