Chasing Validation:

The Unofficial Guide to Validation: Because Who Needs a Gold Star Anyway?

Have you ever stopped to ponder the profound and slightly absurd world of validation? It's like the glitter glue of the human experience – we all secretly crave it, but it's hard to admit without feeling a tad vulnerable. Let's embark on a journey through the land of validation, where words become gold stars and approval is the currency.

First off, what exactly is validation? It's that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when someone acknowledges your existence, your efforts, or that questionable dance move you busted out at the office party. It's like a linguistic high-five that says, "Hey, you're not invisible, and you didn't embarrass yourself too much!"

Now, let's delve into the wild world of self-validation. Picture this: you conquer the treacherous task of assembling IKEA furniture all by yourself. Instead of waiting for the imaginary applause from the DIY gods, you pat yourself on the back and declare, "I am the master of Allen wrenches!" Cue imaginary confetti.

But validation isn't always a solo act. Sometimes, it's a group effort. Take social media, for instance. We live in an era where our self-worth is measured in likes and retweets. Your carefully curated avocado toast picture just garnered 100 likes? Congratulations, you're practically an influencer now. Who needs a Michelin star when you have the approval of strangers on the internet?

Then there's the office validation dance – a delicate choreography of seeking approval without looking desperate. Imagine pitching an idea in a meeting and anxiously scanning the room for nods of agreement. Your coworker chuckles at your witty remark? Boom, instant validation. You're practically the office comedian, and your PowerPoint skills are now legendary.

But validation isn't always straightforward. Sometimes, it disguises itself as subtle hints or passive-aggressive compliments. "Wow, you actually finished the project on time? I'm impressed." Translation: I expected you to fail miserably, but you pleasantly surprised me. Ah, the sweet taste of validation, sprinkled with a hint of backhandedness.

Let's not forget the ultimate validation quest – relationships. Whether it's a romantic partner, a friend, or your pet goldfish, we all crave that acknowledgment of our existence. "You make the best grilled cheese sandwiches" or "Your taste in movies is impeccable" – these are the love letters of validation, sealed with a sprinkle of cheese (literally).

Unfortunately in the grand tapestry of life, validation is the thread that stitches our self-esteem together. It's the secret sauce that adds flavor to our accomplishments and the balm that soothes the wounds of self-doubt. So, the next time you find yourself fishing for compliments or subtly dropping your achievements into conversation, remember – validation is the seasoning of life, and you, my friend, are the master chef of your own narrative. ~RS 👍 or 👎

Royal Treatment(s)

British royals King Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, will take time off from public events in the coming weeks due to planned medical procedures, according to two separate palace announcements yesterday. The revelations came less than two hours apart in what some observers have described as atypical candor around the royals' health.

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