When we experience distress from physical pain or emotional turmoil, we often turn to our loved ones for support and understanding. But when our partners fail to validate our emotions we can feel isolated and resentful and may even question the strength of the relationship.
As a generally mild-mannered person, Mary* sometimes shocked her partner, Susie by shouting at other drivers. Susie thought Mary’s reactions were unnecessarily aggressive and somewhat embarrassing when they were in the car together. But Mary experienced Susie’s pleas to stay calm as critical and invalidating.
