It's very frustrating to read that you keep aligning the approach Sandi is talking about as an opposite to validating. Validation is an effective communication skill in and out of these situations. Your attitude suggests you should read through the thread again.
Validation is not agreeing. It is not being a softie. It is LISTENING and giving validity to what someone else feels. She feels what she feels and who are you to tell her that she doesn't?
