When someone complains to you about something, for example, “I’ve only seen you for 10 minutes today because you were so busy doing other things…” don’t become defensive and come up with lots of reasons why they shouldn’t have felt like that. Also, don’t try and justify why it was so important that you had to do those ‘other things’.

Instead, say “Sorry, I’ll make the effort to spend more time with you tomorrow”.

Even though no one likes criticism, it’s good to break it down and understand why the other person has said it. Yes, some of the time it will be an exaggeration, and other times it could be ninety percent true. Whatever it is, try and bite your lip and respond in a positive and calm way.

People say things for a reason and it’s a good job they do otherwise you wouldn’t know what they were thinking and how they were feeling. Agree to the portion of the criticism that is true and work on that.

Look at it as an opportunity to work on yourself which in turn can help you grow as a person.

Until next time…

Sandra