The importance of validation and empathy in a relationship
Channel: Marriage Restoration with Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin
Date: 2022-12-27

Everyone needs to feel like they make sense.

That's what it means to be validated and empathized with.

Think about it- you're sharing something painful with someone you love and the person just leaves you hanging without acknowledging that your feelings make sense. 

Validation is not about giving in or agreeing that the other person is right or wrong.

It's acknowledging that a person has a right to feel the way they're feeling.

It's not about you. So you don't need to worry that you're accepting blame.

It's about imagining why the other person feels the way they do and letting them know that they make sense.

You don't need to verify it to empathize with it.
You don't need more information to validate what's being shared.

And if you want to deepen your emotional intimacy with your partner, validation and empathy are going to take you there. 

Everyone wants to be heard. 

This is how you become a good listener. 

Wouldn't it be amazing if your spouse was your best listener? So you wouldn't have to turn elsewhere? 

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could be that person for your spouse?

We invite you to learn how to do this together with your spouse!

✅ Practice saying "you make sense" after someone shares something with you
✅ Be intentional about imagining why what they're saying makes sense
✅ Be calm and present when listening, stop what you're doing, try not to feel threatened because you realize that people are entitled to their opinions, it doesn't mean they are right or wrong

Want to learn more about how to empathize and validate others?
✅ Attend an in-person retreat where you can learn the Imago intentional dialogue and practice validating and having more empathy. 

🌴Upcoming dates for 2023: themarriagerestorationproject.com/find-a-transformational-retreat-for-relationship-healing-calendar-of-events/

📖 Read our 60 Second Plan to a Happy & Healthy Marriage: https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/happy-marriage-book/

Once you master these skills, the endless conflict can shift and you can have a real, loving, deeper relationship with your partner!