Criticism:  the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing; the activity of making careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of something or someone.

At some time in our lives we will all have to handle being criticized.  Criticism never feels good and often feels extremely personal.  Most do not intend criticism to be personal yet it often is presented in ways that makes that nearly unavoidable.

When presenting criticism make sure these things are present:

• Avoid direct accusations
• Soften with compliments
• Advise with advice
• Remove the continuation of “but”
• Stay specific

Ways to handle criticism include the following:

• Anticipate specific criticism
• Assume criticism is logical
• Limit the criticism you will accept
• Make constructive criticism part of your culture
• Refuse to make criticism a personal contest
• Take no revenge

Recognize that criticism can be an addiction within itself.  Criticism is a learned behavior and can be used to destroy self-esteem which eventually creates numerous difficulties for those people dealing with this issue.  Be gentle with yourself and with others, there is a world of room for our collective differences.

“I love criticism just as long as it’s unqualified praise.”  —  Noel Coward