Only if you choose to be hurt by a negative reaction.

If that's the case then what's happening is separate from validation.

If the reaction is positive, then why not suck it all up, as long as you can keep your ego under control!

If I have my ego under control I have no need to suck it all up.

If I only believe the positive things somebody says about me and ignore any negative things they may say...how is that really any different from self-validation? I've clearly taken it upon myself to discern which of the things they say will have meaning for me and which won't. I've essentially taken them out of the loop and am making all the decisions myself.

So how is, "I'm only going to take to heart the positive things you say about me," different from or better than, "I accept myself as I am and am happy with that"?

Stop WaitingFeel EverythingLove AchinglyGive ImpeccablyLet Go