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Boosting Happiness by Validating Feelings of Unhappiness
Hey there! You know, it sounds simple to make someone happier just by recognizing when they’re feeling down, right? Well, it’s trickier than it seems. I learned this firsthand when I tried to stop contradicting others’ feelings. Statements like, “You always have fun when we go out!” or “You should be excited about this!” just don’t cut it.
Just the other day, I faced a little conflict with my daughter, Mia, over her choice of footwear for school. With all the snow outside, I wanted her to wear her snow boots, but she was adamant about wearing her sneakers. (Why do kids always resist the obvious?) I noticed she was starting to get upset, and instead of arguing back with denial like, “The boots are comfortable” or “You’ve worn them before,” I tried something new.
Me: “You don’t want to wear those boots, huh?”
Mia: “They’re not comfy!”
Me: “I get it, you’d prefer your sneakers.”
Mia: “I don’t want to bring my sneakers in a bag!”
Me: “So, you just don’t feel like wearing the boots today? It’s a long walk to school!”
To my surprise, she calmed down and put on the boots without a fuss. Seriously! When I acknowledge her feelings instead of dismissing them, it changes everything. When my feelings are overlooked, I tend to repeat myself until I feel heard.
This principle doesn’t just apply to kids. Recently, I tackled a big household project, and let’s just say, I didn’t approach it with much grace. My partner, Jake, noticed my frustration and said, “This doesn’t look too hard!” Bad move! He probably thought he was being supportive, but his comment only made me angrier. If he had said, “Wow, this looks like a big job; it’s awesome you’re taking it on,” it would have been much better. And let’s be real, who doesn’t appreciate a little praise once in a while?
It’s fascinating how denying bad feelings can make them fester. Acknowledging those feelings allows room for the good ones to return. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out this piece on home insemination techniques. Plus, for more insights on fertility, this resource is definitely worth a look! And if you’re searching for pregnancy tips, CCRM IVF has some excellent information.
In summary, recognizing and validating feelings—whether they’re from kids or adults—can lead to happier outcomes. Instead of brushing over negative emotions, try acknowledging them. You might be surprised by the positive shift in interactions!