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The most powerful statement I ever learned to say in a conversation when being vulnerable is, “you don’t have to understand.” Often, we seek validation from others or are quick to feel ashamed because of someone else’s response to our vulnerability. Think about a time when someone judged your emotions or refuted your feelings. Instead of defending yourself, what if you responded with, “you don’t have to understand.” The power behind this statement is unreal.  

Once I adopted this in my life, I noticed:

-Less conflict

-I was more confident

-I learned how to validate my own emotions 

-I felt calmer 

-I felt more in control   

-I had more energy for other things

The people who don’t understand are the individuals in your life that judge and invalidate your feelings. The thought of trying to convince someone else of your struggle in an attempt to get them to understand is unnecessary. They are not in your head. They are not in your body. They do not know your experience.  

The second you stop trying to make them understand, you start choosing yourself. Remember, your emotions are YOUR experience. People have to earn the right to hear your story.