Handling Criticism

Criticism is a part of life. Therefore, it is a matter of priority to stay true to your own values and always do the best you can. Not everyone will like you, your goals, or what you do, so don’t feel you need to have everyone’s approval, because frankly, that is impossible. Unfortunately, some people will always have something negative to say, no matter what you do, so it is important to not let their hateful attitude poison you.

“The motive behind criticism often determines its validity. Those who care criticize where necessary. Those who envy criticize the moment they think that they have found a weak spot.” 

Criss Jami

People who are insecure and unhappy with themselves and their lives often try to make themselves feel better by venting their anger and frustration on the closest available person by making vicious, harsh, and insulting comments. That does not make it right, it’s just what happens sometimes, and when it does, don’t let those people bring you down or make you feel ‘less than’. 

Remember, criticism is just an opinion, and it is up to you whether you accept all of it, some of it, or none of it. If their criticism is constructive, then learn from it; if it is meant to bring you down and insult you, then ignore it – they are unhappy and as you know, misery loves company. If you choose to respond to them, do so with as much compassion as you can. They must really be hurting to try to inflict their pain on you. If you can forgive them for saying whatever it was that hurt or insulted you, and truly wish them well, then you will bless them as well as yourself, which will be beneficial all around.

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

Carl Jung