In an article by Elevate Mindfully: There’s a reason it feels so good to be seen. Neuroscientists call it social reward circuitry — the brain’s built-in system that lights up when we’re recognized or appreciated. Positive social experiences are linked to increased oxytocin activity — our connection hormone — and can help regulate cortisol, the body’s main stress signal. In other words, validation isn’t just a warm fuzzy—it’s a physiological shift that tells your nervous system: You’re safe here.
But in a culture that’s trained us to chase approval — likes, follows, applause — authentic validation can feel rare. It’s not about chasing attention; it’s about reclaiming connection. And that’s the message at the heart of Valerie Greenberg’s new book, You’ve Been VALidated. Equal parts pep talk, science, and love letter to her late father, it’s a guide for learning to see yourself the way you’ve always wanted others to.