Well, it’s that time of year! We’re looking forward to Thanksgiving and all the holidays ahead. It’s a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy feasts and festivities. Of course, it’s also a time for making decisions, working out plans, and collaborating with one another in order to agree on those decisions and plans! Well, we’re trying our best to work it all out and make everyone happy when sometimes it isn’t all working out, people aren’t happy, and we throw up our arms and ask “Why are you being so critical?
Well, here are some tips for protecting your own well-being when confronted with criticism:
First, address it in a composed manner. Be firm but kind. Treat others based on who you are, not according to how they are treating you.
Don’t dwell on negativity. Don’t doubt yourself. Remain confident. Some comments from others may best be dismissed. Don’t let them bring you down. Sometimes you need to recognize that it is their issue, not yours.
Express your own view with comfort and confidence. Remember that highly judgmental people
are critical towards everyone, not just you. Understand that highly judgmental people lack empathy. They don’t understand the viewpoints or perspectives of others. And they may not understand the hurt that they cause with their comments. So, don’t bother to defend yourself. Think more about the people who love and appreciate you than about those who judge and criticize you.
Of course, we may all get stressed and become a little critical at times. So, there may be occasions when we’re able to think about why someone may behave that way and feel some compassion for them. After all, there may be times when we are able to benefit from a little compassion from others.
So, if you find yourself faced with criticism, remember to be kind but firm, considerate but assertive, patient but confident, and enjoy your holiday season.
