Validation unfortunately has become weaponized in our society. That's my view from the outside looking in. From the inside looking out (for myself) I validate through demonstrated ability, meaning I work towards a goal and once achieved, I can see that I accomplished something. In terms of validation through words, I'm a bit more contained. I've learned to listen to my inner voice and discuss ideas with those closest to me, meaning my spouse and life long friends (of more than 40 years). That's a small group. Anyone outside that sphere is not anything I take stock in for validation because too many people have fallen into this 'group think' reasoning which I don't agree with. I believe everyone should be an individual, not part of a labeled group to be embraced or hated. Social media and news media have a field day with labels. To me it borders on being criminal. What society lacks is tolerance, which is why validation has become so weaponized. Its become this rigid notion of you're either with me or against me and I don't believe in that thinking. I can dislike an idea but not the person who accepts it or presents it. Having differences to me will always be a good thing because it just means there's other ideas out there for each person to consider. Its a tough world to live in if you're a young person today, because that notion of validation has sharp drop offs with people who reject you from knee jerks reactions. I've learned through my life that validation must come from within, hence the example I gave. If you have to find it in this current environment, that's going to be a rough road to travel.