A sign that someone is seeking too much validation is when they constantly seek external approval, reassurance, or recognition from others to feel good about themselves or their actions. This behavior can manifest in various ways, and some common signs include:
Excessive self-doubt: They may doubt their abilities, decisions, or worthiness unless others validate them or their choices.
Constantly fishing for compliments: They frequently seek compliments or positive feedback from others, even for minor achievements or daily tasks.
Social media obsession: They may excessively post on social media to receive likes, comments, and validation from their followers.
Need for attention: They constantly try to be the center of attention in social situations, seeking approval and validation from the people around them.
Dependency on others' opinions: They rely heavily on other people's opinions to make decisions, often feeling anxious or lost without external validation.
Insecurity in relationships: They may feel overly anxious or threatened by the idea of not being accepted or loved by their friends, family, or romantic partners.
Overworking to prove worth: They may overwork or over-achieve to gain validation, tying their self-worth to their accomplishments.
Ignoring personal values: They may compromise their own values or beliefs to fit in or gain validation from a particular group or individual.
Reacting strongly to criticism: They may be overly sensitive to criticism, taking it personally and feeling invalidated or hurt.
Feeling incomplete without validation: They consistently feel empty, inadequate, or unfulfilled without external validation, even if they have achieved considerable success.
It's essential to note that seeking some validation from others is a normal part of human nature. We all appreciate and benefit from positive feedback and encouragement. However, when this desire for validation becomes excessive and starts to negatively impact someone's self-esteem, decision-making, and overall well-being, it may be a sign that they are relying too heavily on external sources for validation. In such cases, it can be beneficial for the individual to work on building self-confidence and self-acceptance.