it's okay to seek (and need) validation from people/outside sources, especially your friends.

But you have to *ask* for it. You have to let people know that's what you're looking for.

if you get upset with people when they don't validate you, but you weren't clear with your intnentions/desires from the get-go, that's on you and not them.

it's okay to be forthright! just tell your friends "hey, i need a little bit of validation here, can i show you my (art/writing/etc.)"

what's not okay is to manipulate and guilt people into interacting with your stuff.

it's not cool to try to make your friends feel bad for not engaging.

i know it sucks!!! i know it feels really shitty!!! but you can't force people to give you validation and when you try to manipulate people into giving it to you, it just makes everyone feel bad because that validation isn't sincere, then. it's forced.

and wouldnt you rather have genuine engagement with your content?

i would. i'd rather surround myself with people who are genuinely excited than people who feel like they're forced to be there

and you can do it too! you just have to put yourself out there and find those people

also this thread was posted bc of some thoughts swirling around in my mind lately, it is not to be read into as subtext by any of you anxious fuckers who follow me