I hope people know that you can validate peoples emotions while also criticizing them, or trying to convince them things will get better, and it works a lot more.
For ex.
Instead of:
“Don’t be sad :( this is just temporary!”
Try this:
“I’m really sorry you’re going through this. (Blank) is really hard to cope with. Things hurt a lot right now, I know, but if you push through then you will be able to find happiness and it will feel worth it in those moments.”
Instead of:
“You should be glad he’s gone, he was so ugly anyway, plus he was an ass to you. Why would you stay with him?”
Try this:
“I know he meant a lot to you, and this is going to be really difficult for you to process. You deserve so much better and I know you will find better. You did not deserve to be treated like that.”
Instead of:
“Stop acting like this” “Stop yelling” “Stop crying” “Stop ignoring me” “Calm down”
Try this:
“I know you’re upset, but it is difficult to speak with you and resolve things like this. I can give you a moment, or we can discuss this tomorrow/ whenever your mind is clear”
In the end you can say whatever you want, and everyone receives things differently. I am not a medical professional, but I’ve found that it usually works more on me and others when you validate their emotions before going on to say something else. Oftentimes it can seem like you are invalidating them when you tell them stuff that contradicts what they are feeling in the moment, and it’ll be harder to receive/believe in your message. Okay bye ❤️
