Approval Addicts Anonymous -- Validation Seeking

This week we’re tackling the issue of validation
Am I an approval addict, what does that mean, and how can I work with it?

First, we discuss what it means to be an approval addict and the signs of an addiction to approval. Then, we dive into the reality of the addiction and its effects on our mentality and the people around us. Finally, we offer some steps to escape the addiction, along with personal stories of improvement.

Here are some helpful links that we used in our research:
https://chintanzalani.com/psychology-behind-seeking-validation-need/
https://psychcentral.com/blog/are-you-an-approval-addict#1
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-and-recovery/201907/stop-seeking-validation-others

Helpful Definitions:

• Approval Addict - a person whose self-esteem is dependent on the validation of others to the point of unhealthy obsession. 
• Validation - recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile.
• Controller-Enabler Relationship - a relationship in which there is abuse through dependency of one party leading to full control of another. 
• Anorexia - refraining from eating with the desire to achieve an unrealistically skinny body image
• Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs - a theory that orders the needs of humans from most to least important, within five categories: Physiological, Safety, Love and Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization
• Self-Actualization - Desire to become the most one can be. 

Outside Quotes:

• “Surround yourself with people who challenge what you think, not people that nod their head and act like they agree.” -NF 

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