How do you survive overly critical people?

Question

I am struggling right now with some pretty cruddy stuff. How can I tell people that I need support and not criticism. Give me some pointers to guiding people to do that.

Answer 1

Some have asked a critical person: Is there ANYTHING you like about me? If they say 'no', then say 'In that case your criticisms are a waste of time!' Sometimes that kind of a conversation will make the critical person realize what he is doing - it won't always work of course.
1. Get away from the situation, then ask yourself if there is anything you can learn from the criticism.
2. Ask yourself if the person is really always critical, or if they are annoying you with their criticism just at this moment.
3. Ask yourself the motive for the criticism. If you are sure the motive is anything other than being helpful - such as malice, jealousy, etc. then just cut yourself off from the person if you can. Because if you are going through a rough time you probably need a break, emotionally.

Answer 2

If you are able to remove yourself from the situation, you could tell the person that you prefer him or her not to speak to you in a critical way or you would not be their friend any longer, get another job, move out, etc. It is that person's choice to change then and you must be willing to follow through with your plan.

If you are a minor and living with critical parents, you could tell your parents that you need support and not criticism. If your parents are unwilling or unable to change please do not internalize their criticism.

You seem aware that the person or people are critical and you are not at fault. Please remember that and not let them get you down. Say positive affirmations to yourself to counter their negative words.

Answer 3

when someone criticizes you unjustly, answer with "You may be right, BUT I disagreee......and then give your side of the story.. This lets you disagree but still remain polite. And then maybe you can discuss the matter with them and make them see your side of it. Otherwise, just stay away from them. Find people who will support you throubh a hard time. Have failth in yourself and your decisions.

Answer 4

You could always start with each person by saying "I feel" that way, it doesn't make them feel like you are criticising them, and possibly continuning a never ending issue. Look at you what your input from others have been, and see if, realisitically, they do have some logical reasons that you yourself could change. Remember, you have to give in order to recieve, and you will catch more flies with honey!
good luck!

Answer 5

Do you think that sentence is going to matter to the overly critical person? That is just the thing they need to hear to REALLY pile it on.

You need to avoid overly critical people, not survive them.

Answer 6

just remember that criticism comes from not understanding fully. also it is not as uncomfortable for some as being sympathetic. and in criticism is usually some good advice

Answer 7

well the wrong answer would be take them by the neck and beat them to a bloody pulp. the right answer is taking them off to the side and explain the situation and ask for advice

Answer 8

For whatever reason you are allowing this stuff into your Life.

First step to remove your Self from that is to love your Self unconditionally.

Answer 9

Tell them to keep it to themselves. Ten to one, they're the wrong people to be asking, and they probably won't like your response, so just don't ask them anymore.

Answer 10

they feel they are supporting u by pointing out things. Take it as them helping you, and don't take everything as an insult.