Validating is simply acknowledging that you hear and understand what another person is feeling and that there are reasons for them to hold the views they do. Validation is the act of acknowledging and accepting a person's feelings, thoughts, and experiences as valid, even if you don't personally agree with them or understand them. It's about showing that you hear the person, understand their perspective, and that their emotions are real and make sense to them. Validation is crucial for building trust, strengthening emotional connection, and resolving conflict.