The Validation Addiction

I love that pat on the back. I can’t help it. And I’m betting I’m not the only one. Being told we’re good at something can feel like a drug, the rush is so good. Who doesn’t love being praised for a job well done? Being told how awesome and valuable we are? Personally, I can’t get enough of it. So of course I was the perennial over-achiever growing up (read as giant nerd). I was the valedictorian who always loved to be told I had done the best and worked the hardest.

Not surprisingly, this c...