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I'm not here to advertise for them that's not the point. It was for a suicide prevention / awareness clothing brand. The shirts are kinda corny, but well meaning. The thing that got me was the voice over. It was basically validation that things can get tough and that the listener could handle it.

No one in my life does that. The only person who ever did was my mom and she died (too young) a decade ago. I haven't had any substantial emotional support since she passed. My dad is an abusive POS. My wife is stuck in her own head. My kids aren't supposed to do that, it's too much for a child. My friends... Never call first. It's always me starting anything. Literal months have gone by if I don't start anything.

I'm surrounded by people but I feel so alone. I don't actively wanna "check out" most days, but damn that ad made me realize how much I crave validation. I really want someone close to me to tell me on a regular basis that I make their life better.

I don't think anyone gives a shit. I know if I ended it, they'd miss the paycheck I provide, but I feel like that's it. I know my kids would be worse off, by far, and that's probably a large chunk of why I'm still here. I love them so much. They're the best.

I'm struggling to post this because I know y'all internet strangers will be nice about it, but that just feels like I'm fishing for validation which makes me feel guilty. But didn't I just say I wanted validation? What the fuck is wrong with me.

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[-] alternategait@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

“What the fuck is wrong with me”

I think the hyper individualism of the US (and from what I understand Europe but to a lesser degree) leads to it being hard to receive validation or appreciation and harder to verbalize a want for it.

I’m sorry that you’re feeling under appreciated. I bet that you do make people’s lives better and that several people around you quietly appreciate you.

Thanks for bringing this whole topic up.

[-] ponderless@lemmy.today 3 points 1 month ago

Nothing is wrong with you it's human nature to want to be understood and accepted and validated.

Finding people who will be a part of your life and not just in it takes time, but they exist. But for them to be there they need to know they are needed. They can't read your mind even if we think we're being obvious.

Vulnerability is seen as a weakness far too often. But it is a strength because you are opening yourself up to someone who can help protect you.

Therapy could be a good start to help you see green flags in relationships as well as red flags.

It's tough, maybe one of the toughest decisions you can make to better yourself, but one of the most important as well.

[-] AnarchoSnowPlow@midwest.social 3 points 1 month ago

Our system, the US, but also the west in general, is designed to make you feel alone. It is designed to fragment and alienate the working class. It is designed to exploit and extract as much from you as it can.

The fact that we don't all feel like this constantly is a miracle. There's been a war on since this place was founded and it's always been the rich vs the vast majority of people.

Therapy can help and I highly recommend it. Understanding your enemy can also help. Ultimately, I find the most relief in connecting with other people. Talk to your spouse, talk to random strangers, talk to your kids. I'm an introvert and socializing is exhausting, but it's also the only cure for the malaise of a sick society, in my opinion.

this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2025
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