“It's kinda like chess, though. When you first start to play the game, your opponent's tactics might seem simple, random or meaningless.”

^Exactly! Except there are infinitely more variables to humans! Some folks seem so innocent when they move their pawn, but they have the king’s capture in their sights!

I’m not sure specifically what you are dealing with as far as emotional validation in your relationship. In my relationships, I ask “How was your day?” Or “How are you?” And I listen. That’s emotional validation, right?