Do you thrive on compliments or shrug them off? Let’s talk about your need for validation

Loading player...
You know how we all have that one friend who cannot send a text without adding “what do you think?” That is the same friend who triple checks their outfit in the mirror, then in the reflection of the toaster, then again in the car window.
On the other hand, there are people who seem to move through life like they were born with a built-in cheerleading squad in their head.
It makes you wonder. Why do some of us crave validation like it is our daily vitamin, while others can go years without hearing a single “you are doing great” and still thrive?
Maybe it is because you were loved really well growing up, so you learned your worth early and now enjoy compliments as a sweet extra. Or maybe you were not loved enough and every like, every “I am proud of you,” feels like filling a gap you have been carrying since childhood.
Stacey Norman shared her story of having extremely supportive parents. Her father, specifically, made he feel as though she could do everything perfectly.
While J Sbu didn’t share a personal story, he did share words of advice for those struggling with a need for validation.
12 Aug English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

SharksFest 2025: East Coast Radio calls on Jacaranda FM

In the lead-up to SharksFest, Stacey and J Sbu called their sister station, Jacaranda FM to chat with JacaDrive hosts Rob and Roz. With the Sharks taking on the Bulls this SharksFest, it was important to the Drive duo to get in touch with their frenemies... Rob and Roz got…
10 Dec 3 min

Lego League success: Northlands Primary's Smooth Sailors head to South Korea

As we close off Kiddies’ Hotline for the year, we’re celebrating a proudly KZN story that is making waves far beyond our coastline. Northlands Primary’s First Lego League team, the Smooth Sailors, have just made history. After an incredible performance at the national “Unearthed” First Lego League competition in Johannesburg,…
10 Dec 5 min

Christmas gifting: Is it about presents or presence?

Every December, the same question pops up: What’s the real meaning of gifting? Is it about piling up shiny boxes under the tree, or is it about giving experiences and memories that last a lifetime? Some say material gifts are overrated; they clutter our homes and drain our wallets. Others…
9 Dec 5 min

FlySafair have a surprise in store for you this festive season

J Sbu sat down with the team from FlySafair to talk about something truly magical taking to our skies this festive season. For years, they’ve dreamed of creating a Christmas livery that would wow South Africans, and this year, that dream came true. Picture this: Santa in his sleigh, packed…
5 Dec 4 min

Deterrence vs rehabilitation: KZN DoT weekly roadblocks

Today on The Great Drive, we’re diving into a campaign that’s been making waves across KwaZulu-Natal, the KZN Department of Transport’s #NenzaniLaEzweni.It’s a province-wide crackdown targeting reckless driving, illegal trucking operations, unroadworthy vehicles, and drivers operating without proper documentation. Week after week, the RTI teams have been out on the…
2 Dec 8 min