February 3, 2001    
begin

write

look

learn

find

Do you handle criticism well?

It depends on where it's coming from. If it's coming from my boss, who doesn't like me very well anyway, I'd say no.  But if it was from my Mother, Stepfather, or Grandmother, I'd say yes. Same with teachers, yes if they seemed to like me and no if they didn't.

Melodi, 19
Hlliard
, OH   USA

When I ask for criticism, I can accept it graciously. When criticism is offered unasked I grit my teeth and attempt graciousness.

Jill, 60
Saylorsburg
, PA  USA

I can take a certain level of criticism. I can't take rejection at all.

Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames
, IA  USA

As long as it's delivered in a reasonable tone and not too brief (eg 'you suck') I think I can handle it pretty well.

Alias Irrelevante

I guess that depends on who it comes from. If it's from a trusted friend or a family member I might take it pretty well, but if it's from someone else it might be harder to take seriously or lightly!

Tracy, 24
Ocean City
, NJ  USA

What do you mean by that! What are you trying to tell me??

Jami, 27
Lowell
, MA   USA

If the criticism has any truth in it, I do. If it is totally off the wall, I resent it.

Jane, 60
West Linn
, OR   USA

Depends on how confident I am in the area being criticized. Usually when relating to my work I handle a lot of criticism and sometimes verbal abuse quite well. As far as critiques of my intellect, I can handle almost anything. But, when it comes to my personality or my looks criticism usually hurts a lot. Also, I have to say that I don't trust compliments at all, which in some ways is very sad.

Felicia, 35
Lowell
, MA    USA

Actually, no. I tend to take it as a personal threat to who I am and I get really ticked off.

Jeremy, 13
Highlands Ranch
, CO  USA

It depends on who it is coming from but generally yes I do.

Stephanie, 25
TX
  USA

I handle criticism better than I used to. I have low self esteem to some point and when critized it really hurts me or did in the past. I feel  better about myself now and it doesn't bother me as much. And it also depends on who is doing the critizing.

Marci, 55
Diamond
, OH   USA

Egads I hate these "truth hurts" self-realizations. I handle criticism  very  well if it's a situation where criticism is expected and warranted, and it comes from someone in a position to be rightfully dishing it out (ie: sending  in a manuscript, auditioning for a part, a thesis paper...etc). You expect it beforehand, and when it comes, it's appreciated. You learn from it.  On the other hand, I do NOT handle criticism well when it comes from a peer who is simply voicing an opinion at my expense. I feel all criticism should be dished out tactfully - no matter what the situation. Diplomacy can make all the difference in the world to a person like myself. This was a great question!

Fisch, 45
Preston
, CT   USA

I'd like to think that i'm pretty good with it. Sometimes my pride is a little hurt, but most of the time I like to know what I'm doing wrong.

Dianne, 16
Oshawa, Ontario  CANADA

I can handle criticism no problem, unless it's from my husband. For some reason, when he says something like, "you don't know what you're doing", first it makes me mad, then I feel inadequate. But, anybody else, I don't care.

Lisa J., 22
TN   USA

No, nuff said.

Sarah S., 17
Ithaca
, NY   USA

I would like to answer this question affirmatively, but I have to say  no.  Really, though, it depends where the criticism is coming from. It depends on how it is presented, how close I am with the person it comes from,  and other things.

Eric, 18
Beverly Hills
, CA  USA

It depends on who is criticizing and how they are doing it. I can take some criticism from teachers.. as long as its constructive not degrading :)

Talia, 23
Wilton
, CT   USA

Well, depends on what kind of criticism, and how it is phrased. I am getting better at it...as long as you don't yell. Still, I probably don't have a terribly thick skin, although it is getting thicker.

Bruno, 31
Denver
, CO   USA

Lately, yes...6 months ago...no.

Angela, 16
Aiken
, SC   USA

Initially, I get all red faced and embarrassed. But afterward I am able to think about it and react positively.

Janet, 42
E. Brunswick
, NJ  USA

does anyone?

Jaden, 21
Brampton, Ontario  CANADA

Bring it on.

A-Dog, 18
McMinnville
, OR  USA

It depends on the time of the month. Most of the time, yes. Especially when it's given gently.

Laura, 36
Lowell
, MA   USA

Honestly, no. I hate it, even when it is constructive. I obsess over my shortcomings enough, and to have someone point them out to me  is horrid. It makes me obsess ten times more.

Maggie, 20
Sandwich
, IL   USA

most times, yes. .I sincerely appreciate someone taking the time to notice me at all. . .

mothmc, 36
Los Angeles
, CA  USA

I think I handle criticism well but when I tell people that, they smile and say "Oh, really?"

Reba, 51
Rockville
, MD   USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow