Are You in a Supportive Relationship?
By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC One of the hallmarks of a great marriage or relationship is being involved with a person who values the other person’s feelings in a respectful and caring way. Validation in a relationship is a good indicator of a relationship health check. It is the ability to communicate reciprocating thoughts and feelings that indicate they are there for each other. Healthy people relationally do not criticize, demand or belittle the other person for expressing their feelings, needs and wants. Whether intentional or not, being critical or belittling the other person can send signals that what is being expressed implies the other is wrong, or somehow it makes them a bad person. Invalidation is negative behavior that can, and often turns the overall mood of the relationship sour. The initial gut response to negativity is usually anger followed by resentment. The anger and resentment are the result of feeling the pain of the invalidating comment. Emotional suppor...