Approval seeking behaviors in dating are a natural part of human connection, as we often seek the approval of those we love most.
From childhood, we’ve been trying to win the affection of our parents, and as we grow older, these behaviors can carry over into our romantic relationships. However, sometimes approval seeking behavior can go too far, veering into unhealthy territory.
When approval seeking behavior leads us to sacrifice parts of ourselves in an attempt to gain others’ approval, it becomes problematic. This is especially common in romantic relationships.
To help address this, we’ll identify the 10 most common examples of approval seeking behavior in dating.
But simply identifying these behaviors is only part of the solution. We’ll also provide a blueprint you can use to reduce your reliance on others for your self-esteem.
10 Approval Seeking Behaviors
Again, everyone changes their behavior to win the approval on someone else — but to a degree.
If you identify with a couple of these behaviors you may have nothing to worry about. However, if you identify with at least 50% of these behaviors you may want to consider changing your dependence on your partner with validation.
1) Laughing At Literally Everything
Hahahahaha.
Wait, I didn’t say anything.
Laughter is an age-old response that we use to connect with someone. Laughter is one of the easiest ways to seek and often win the approval of another. Have you ever noticed yourself laughing more often than usual when meeting someone new?
It’s because laughing with someone or at another’s joke is a relationship accelerant.
On the contrary, don’t you find it odd when someone just smiles or never laughs at a joke? We intuitively know this is a clear indication they don’t wish to bond.
Laughing is one of the more harmless approval seeking romantic behaviors there are. But if you’re doing it more often than your partner this may be a signal of an emotional imbalance.
You may like them a lot more or rely on their approval much more than they rely on yours.
2) Pretending To Agree
Yeah, that pasta your partner made is amazing, and yeah of course you love Fast And Furious, yeah totally the USA is as much to blame as Russia for the way… wait what?
Listening, empathizing, and understanding a conflicting opinion isn’t a sign of people-pleasing. Vehemently agreeing with everything your partner says, however, surely is.
White lies and agreement are acceptable. Agreeing their parents are good cooks, or that your friend’s band is worthy of recording time in a studio is one thing. These white lies are meant not to hurt your partner and you’re telling them so that they aren’t hurt.
Pretending to agree however when it comes from a place of approval-seeking is very different.
3) You Always Say Sorry
You say sorry more often than a Canadian that actually owes an apology.
Except you apologize when something isn’t your fault.
Stop apologizing for the weather, the quality of the road, or how undercooked their burger was.
These are things out of your control. Don’t blame yourself or allow yourself to be a scapegoat for all the ills of the world. Saying sorry all the time is actually not an attractive quality. Even though it at times may come from a good place, it’s a bad habit to get into.
You’ll be looked down upon by others and will open yourself up to manipulation.
4) You Always Say Yes
You believe the easiest way to seek validation is to nix no from your vocabulary.
So when it comes to borrowing money, picking her up, eating at fancy restaurants, watching her shows, or picking up her laundry, you invariably say, yes.
I’m here to tell you no.
Again, check your motivations.
If you’re saying yes not out of the goodness of your heart but because your self-esteem needs a hit of validation then perhaps it’s time to address some bad habits.
5) You Mirror Her Behavior
This one is interesting.
Mirroring someone’s behavior early on in a relationship is a sign of affection.
On first or second dates or when you first meet someone, you’ll notice mirroring taking place if there’s attraction.
By mirroring I mean, you mimic their actions. If she touches her hair you’ll touch yours, when she reaches for her coffee you also take a sip of yours, and when she takes her coat off you take yours off as well.
If done early in a relationship this habit may not be seen as toxic.
But this dynamic takes on a new light if the habit continues into the latter stages of a relationship.
If you’re still mimicking her later on it’s as if she’s controlling you via remote.
Be your own man.
You may think this tactic will help her like you more — it won’t.
At least not in the long-term.
6) You Crave Praise
Do you go out of the way for a pat on the head?
Do you do good deeds and make an extra effort to remind her of the good thing you’ve done?
It’s easy to say you shouldn’t do this, but you’re human. We all crave praise from others, especially those we’re attracted to. You know when it’s an unhealthy behavior when you feel zero gratification unless she approves of your actions.
7) You Say You’re Always Fine
There’s putting her first and then there’s always putting her first at the detriment of your own wellbeing.
Magically you’re okay when she offends you, borrows your car without asking, locks you out of the house, and feeds your dog grapes.
You appear super chill but inside you’re fucking dying.
You’re not okay, this sucks.
Stop repressing those feelings. It’s okay to speak up for yourself.
That’s the only way to have a healthy relationship. I know you’re repressing your feelings in an attempt to win her over, but it’s actually doing the opposite. As a result of always saying yes and you’ll slowly begin to resent her.
8) You Fudge The Truth
Do you embellish your stories?
Do you make yourself out to be the hero?
The people in your stories are always bigger, brighter, scarier, and more beautiful than in reality.
But they don’t know that.
We all embellish, but you just happen to embellish more than the average joe.
9) Pretending To Know Everything
You wouldn’t imagine not knowing what they’re talking about.
Of course, you heard about that earthquake in Japan because you read the news, and yes of course you know the best way to approach a dog, and duh you know why we’re heading into a recession.
You don’t.
It’s okay.
You’re not Google or ChatGPT.
It’s okay to not know and even admit not knowing everything. But you can’t imagine yourself ever asking what that word meant or if they could explain that concept again.
You just nod like an all-knowing snob and go about your day.
10) Not Handling Rejection Or Criticism
The opposite of approval would be rejection or criticism.
Does it just rip you up inside when you’re dished the slightest critique? Most people would brush it off but you take it like a poisoned blade to the heart.
No one likes rejection but this is your kryptonite.
Luckily there is a way to not be so dependent on the opinions of others.
Here are a few ways to address those approval seeking behaviors.
How To Stop Approval Seeking Behavior
Speak To Yourself As You Would A Child
You seek the validation of others because you don’t respect yourself. Look I don’t know you, but if you had enough self-esteem you wouldn’t go digging for self-esteem boosters.
One concrete way to address this is to start treating yourself better.
Do you find yourself self-criticizing and talking junk about yourself?
Stop throwing shade.
Talk to yourself as you would a child. Would you say the same things you say to yourself to a child or nephew?
The change starts and ends with you. The battle will be fought internally.
Start by using kinder words to talk to yourself.
Have A Solid Social Support System
The craving for validation may have arisen from a lack of validation early on in your life.
Perhaps your parents or friends weren’t supportive as a child. As a result, you’re always looking for others’ opinions of yourself to boost self-esteem.
Surround yourself with positive people. Find friends that will build you up instead of break you down.
Write Down Daily Accomplishments
Make your awesomeness unavoidable by writing down daily accomplishments. It doesn’t matter how small they are. The point is that you’re cooler, smarter, better looking than you think.
This list will help you realize that.
Meet More Supportive Women
Is the woman you’ve been dating consistently damaging your self-esteem? If so, it might be time to expand your options and meet more supportive women who truly value you.
But how do you make this shift? How can you find women who uplift you, rather than tear you down?
That’s where Dating Decoded comes in. Our comprehensive coaching program is specifically designed to help men like you navigate the dating world with confidence, attracting high-quality women who align with your values and respect you for who you are.
In Dating Decoded, we teach proven strategies to help you leverage both in-real-life social circles and online dating platforms to find women who are not only compatible with you but who also boost your confidence and self-esteem. We’ll provide you with the tools and skills to go on a series of successful dates with a variety of women, giving you the power to choose the right one for you.
Instead of staying stuck in relationships that drain you, you’ll learn how to attract women who appreciate and support you. With our coaching, you’ll gain the ability to confidently move on from unhealthy connections and quickly find someone who truly values you.
Ready to take the next step in your dating journey? I encourage you to book a 1-on-1 Zoom call with me or one of our expert coaches. During this personalized session, we’ll dive into your dating background and show you exactly how Dating Decoded can equip you with the skills you need to find the women you deserve. Don’t wait—your ideal dating life is just one call away.