Does anyone else struggle with craving validation? I sometimes look at it as though it’s a compulsion. I just wanna be content with myself, I’m sick of feeling the need to impress everyone. But when I do, it feels good so I keep going. Similar to how reassurance feels good so I keep seeking it.

Yeah it definitely is :/ I feel very ashamed of it

@garden I know exactly how you feel. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, in my opinion. I’m working on it by practicing self acceptance and compassion towards myself. It’s not an easy task though, and it definitely might take some time.

@Intrusive Thots Me too! In what ways are you going about it?

@garden I practice mediation. Don’t do it as much anymore, but it relieves some of the stress that comes with my insecurities when I do.

@Intrusive Thots That’s really good. I’m trying to get into meditation aswell

@garden You got nothing to lose but your OCD :)

@Intrusive Thots Yup!

Yeah. I wonder if they correlate a lot :(

@garden Feels like they might. But I really try my best not to ruminate. That's the main thing I wish to stop

@BigGip09 Does ruminate mean overthink?

@garden Correct. It's the worst compulsion there is. The more people do it, the more false memories have a chance to be created, for the doubt makes people endlessly check on what's 100%. And people do it to feel like they are safe, but IT IS the problem and not the solution

@BigGip09 Yeah. And I guess we ruminate a lot about how we are perceived.

@garden Yeah, all the time. It sucks and it gets tiring. I've had breakdowns cause of it. How old are you?

@BigGip09 16 hbu?

@garden I am 19 years old. Damn, I have a really good friend on here who's just like you. She's the same age as you, worries about the same thing, had troubles with porn and the exploration around it, ruminating on all kinds of thoughts relating to sexual things, etc. But, she's really amazing to talk to and she's been so helpful. It's insane how much me and her have in common. Unfortunately we all go through struggles related to real event and porn troubles. I do hope you feel better than you have before about this whole thing. You aren't a bad person for struggling with an addiction. NOT AT ALL.

@BigGip09 Thank you 🥺 you’ve been so helpful and kind!

@garden I'm glad I could help you! I really am! I wish you nothing but the best.

@BigGip09 I want to help you aswell. Please vent to me anytime (even now) if you want some support :)

@garden Thank you! I'll keep that in mind whenever I want to reach out. I have followed you so I'm notified on whatever post you make. You can do the same if you want. :)

@BigGip09 I don’t have notifications on for any apps on my phone but I will follow you! :)

@garden Awesome!! I think it will notify you when I post the same way it will for me when you post!

@BigGip09 How do you follow people on here?

@garden You click the three dots beside their comment/post, and there will be an option to follow them

@BigGip09 Oh awesome. Done!

@garden Wonderful! Have a great day, friend!

@BigGip09 You tooooooo!!!