Two of the biggest contributors to our feelings of self-worth are validation & approval. It is very emotionally reassuring to experience the approval & validation of others. The reason for this is very simple. Their approval provides external feedback & validation for our positive feelings about ourselves. We are naturally drawn to people and experiences that make a positive contribution to our basic need for validation & approval. All people have this core need, and filling it, regardless of the source, is always a positive emotional experience.