The Best Ways To Handle Criticism
Every day we get criticized once in a while . It is common and yet it is very difficult to get used to. It’s always hard to accept, especially when it comes from people we care about deeply.
Criticism is inevitable
Acceptance is the first step. If we don’t realize that criticism is normal, our frustration will only grow. Unless we live on an island, separated from the rest of the world, there is always someone who has something negative to say about us.
At the same time, we must also accept that we (some more than others) have done the same thing at some point. Maybe not on purpose or in a more constructive way. Maybe we did it because others did it too. We have to accept that sometimes we criticize people and sometimes we are the subject of the criticism.
Be patient
Patience requires that we must use all our resources to keep the peace. You can do this by not being impulsive and staying calm – letting your emotions cool down so you can analyze the situation and act rationally.
These means, along with others, are taking deep breaths, being still for a while (by counting for example) or focusing on something else, such as an image or a nice memory for example. These exercises will make our problems seem a bit simpler and so we don’t make the situation worse by doing the first thing that comes to mind. It is certainly the smartest way.
learn to forgive
We will always encounter people who hurt us. In some cases, these are toxic people, but in other cases, they are people who accidentally hurt us. Whatever the reason, disappointment and pain are inevitable in our relationships with others.
If we are unable to forgive, these negative feelings will accumulate to the point where we cannot be happy anymore. We cannot change the world and make it perfect, but we can change ourselves.
Forgiveness means accepting what happened and letting it go. It involves leaving things in the past and making sure they don’t affect the present. While it’s not easy to do, it’s really good for us because we’re making progress like that.
Recognize different types of criticism
Not all criticism is the same. Someone can give honest criticism because we’ve done something that’s inappropriate. That person is just trying to be honest and help us. This is considered fair and constructive criticism as it will help you improve.
Destructive criticism, on the other hand, is done out of evil spirit. It is meant to hurt you and is not based on the truth, but on certain information that is exaggerated or distorted. This is often due to jealousy and resentment.
What do you do with honest criticism?
When we receive constructive criticism, even though we don’t like it, we should see it as something positive. If we become defensive, by denying the situation or by attacking the other person with even more criticism, it leads to a discussion.
The solution is to be courageous and rational. We must accept criticism by accepting our mistakes and proposing a solution. “Yes, what you say is true, I understand. I hadn’t realized that it is. From now on I will try to change my attitude.”
What do you do with destructive criticism?
This is the hardest to face. This kind of criticism provokes a fight and so it can easily escalate into insults if we act on it. This allows us to harm ourselves and gain nothing except unhappiness.
In these cases, you need to be patient and show indifference. Don’t go into it, because the other person is out to hurt you. If you hold up a shield so it can’t hit us, you win the match.
Often it is people with low self-esteem who envy us for who we are or what we have achieved. Criticizing is their way of expressing the envy and an attempt to boost their confidence by bringing down ours. Remember, if someone tries to criticize you in such a way, it means you are doing something right.
What if we are the ones criticizing?
When we criticize ourselves, the first step is to think about our behavior. Why are we doing it? Is it because our friends are criticizing us and we want to be part of their conversation? Is it because we are jealous? Or are we ashamed of our shortcomings and want to show that others have shortcomings too?
Reflection will help us change. It’s never too late to improve or change what we don’t like about ourselves. Showing empathy and learning to put ourselves in the shoes of others is an exercise that will undoubtedly make us feel better.
Stay away from criticism
Criticism is undoubtedly so ingrained in our society that it is naive to think that we can escape it completely, but by making small changes in our lives we can get rid of the negative effect.
Learn to accept constructive criticism and use it as a stepping stone to improvement. Ignore the destructive criticism and stay away from the toxic people who spread it. Avoid situations where you criticize others in a negative way as much as possible and don’t participate in conversations where people criticize others. You will surely ease your conscience and live a calm and happy life.
–Images of Chichi Huang—
