Q&A for How to Deal With Criticism

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I not let criticism bother me?
    Michelle Shahbazyan is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Try to reframe any negative criticism into positive and actionable steps that you can take to improve.
  • Question
    Why am I too sensitive?
    Community Answer
    A person may be sensitive due to various reasons. Some people are born sensitive and some as a result of traumatic or negative events in life. Think about where your sensitivity comes from. For example: Are you sensitive only in certain situations? If yes, write them down and think how you can change your perspective about the situation. If self- evaluation doesn't help or if you have problems dealing with them, consult a counsellor. If you are sensitive to even constructive criticism, it's time to change the way you look at it. If the criticisms are destructive and baseless, ignore them and be comfortable and confident the way you are.
  • Question
    How do I must respond to destructive criticism like "You are so fat!" Do I respond by smiling? Or give a blank facial expression?
    Community Answer
    Just say, "So?," or "Your point?" Don't get angry. You can't control the thoughts, words, or actions of others. To attempt to do so is folly and will only leave you exasperated.
  • Question
    How should I handle an argumentative student who has trouble accepting criticism?
    Community Answer
    You should talk to him/her after class hours, separately. The student might be sensitive to criticism and might be trying to defend himself in front of his/her peers. When you try to understand the student's issues and the things bothering him/her, it will be helpful in dealing with the student later on.
  • Question
    My friend told me I'm annoying. I was pretty bummed about it, but my other friends told me she just says things without thinking. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If she does it again, she is either impulsive or really doesn't like you. Either way, keep a lookout. It might be time for new friends.
  • Question
    I am very sensitive. Something mean or critical said by family and friends stays with me a long time and I can't even get good sleep at night. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Tell the people who hurt you about how it makes you feel. They may not realize they are upsetting you.
  • Question
    How do I deal with a mean professor that always criticizes me?
    Community Answer
    Speak with him during his office hours, and let him know that you are feeling personally affronted by his criticism. He may have a reason behind it. If not and he blows you off, you can always report him to the Dean.
  • Question
    What should I do if a classmate of mine or a friend does not get good grades while I do and they say that they can do better if they start studying?
    Community Answer
    Then encourage them to start studying so their grades reflect their true potential. This sounds more like friendly competition than criticism. Don't worry about what the say. You're doing well, so you have nothing to worry about.
  • Question
    How can I stop crying when someone makes a constructive criticism to me?
    Community Answer
    Remember that the criticism is designed to help you, not to harm you.
  • Question
    People used to criticize me because of my looks, which lowers my confidence. How can I deal with this?
    Community Answer
    Looks mean nothing. It nice to feel pretty or feel confident, but looking good pales in comparison to having good character. Take care of yourself and try to look your best because you are valuable and by doing so you're honoring the valuable person God created. Aside from that, give it no further thought, because your looks will only become a prison if you allow them to solely or even partially define your value.
  • Question
    One minute my friends parents are nice, and the next minute they are making little digs at me. I never used to be this sensitive, but when I lost my mother to cancer things changed. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Is it possible they're joking around with you in a way you're just not used to? If that's potentially the case, they won't know it upsets you unless you tell them how you feel. If you tell them, and the behavior doesn't stop, you should just walk away when they say something negative if you must be in contact with them. It might also help you to talk to a mental health professional (counselor, therapist, etc.) about how you've been feeling since your mother passed.
  • Question
    I am a Team Leader and I am often criticized or corrected by my superior in front of the whole team, while face-to-face feedback seems like it would be better. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try telling your superior how you feel, "I don't mind the criticism, but could you please give it to me privately? I feel undermined in front of my team, and I need to make sure I have their respect."
  • Question
    How do I respond to indirect critical comments about my work results?
    Community Answer
    Thank the person for his feedback and take it into consideration going forward.
  • Question
    I get defensive when I'm confronted by a boss. How do I stop raising my voice, swearing, and feeling like I have to protect myself?
    Community Answer
    Ask for criticism via email or respond in an email that way you wont have to raise your voice, it also gives you time to respond in a more calm way. I have the same tendency, but once I have had time to think it through I am able to respond in a more thought out way.
  • Question
    How can I run away from friends who like to criticize me?
    Ebi Moses
    Community Answer
    It's understandable that being criticized by friends can be difficult and uncomfortable. Here are some steps you can take to distance yourself from friends who tend to be overly critical: (1) Be honest with your friends. Talk to them about how their criticisms are affecting you, and let them know that you need some space. Tell them you appreciate their feedback but that you need to step back for a while. (2) Limit your interactions. Start declining invitations to hang out or suggest alternative activities that don't involve your critical friends. This can help you create some distance between you and your friends without completely cutting them off.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article