Nobody likes to be criticized. It hurts to hear loved ones or friends tell you things about yourself that you’d rather not hear. And sometimes, the criticism is not warranted. So, for many of us, we immediately take a defensive stance and close off to hearing anything the other person is saying, even if it might be valid.
The irony is the closer a person is to you, the more likely you are to be triggered by their criticism.
One of the greatest gifts I’ve received from my relationship with my partner is learning how to engage in challenging conversations and handle criticisms with ease and grace. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of wonderful and pleasant conversations too! 🙂 But I find, the really deep learning happens for me in the more challenging ones.
When we learn to receive criticism in a skillful way – where we’re not immediately being defensive or immediately apologizing for ourselves – but really learning how to listen, discern, and grow, then we can take our relationships of any kind to the next level.
Here’s a little bit more of what I’ve learned about using criticism as a tool for personal growth. Check it out.
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Ok, now for your homework assignment: think of someone you love very much that might benefit from knowing these guidelines for handling criticism too.
Maybe, it’s a partner, family member, or friend that you sometimes get into challenging conversations with, and you’d like to improve your ability to communicate to each other.
Send them this video.
Essentially, if you’re both acting with the same guidelines in mind, you’re going to really be able to take your communications and your bond with each other to the next level.
What have you got to lose? Give it a try, and let me know in the comments below how it goes.
Big love to you sisters,
Amy
