How are you at taking criticism?

[rbnyc]

For the sake of this poll, let’s assume that the criticism is valid.

I bring this up because I find myself being very self-critical lately and overreacting when others point out any area in which I might improve. I feel very proprietary over my own development and suggestions from other make me feel uncomfortable. I tend to be a little bi-polar in this area. I often take criticism very well. In my scholarly and in my professional life, I’ve always gotten feedback from my mentors, employers, professors, etc. that responding to criticism is one of my great strengths. I’m defensive these days, like I don’t trust the world not to eat me alive if I show any fallibility.

Which statement is most like you? If no statement comes close, please share.

(I know the first two choices are very close, but I am including them both – I think the first is a little more of a feeling response and the second is a little more of a thinking response.)


Edit. Pasted answers too long

[Forkboy]

1. Mostly choice 7.

It's hard to take criticism seriously from people I don't respect, or who I see being guilty of the same thing they criticize others for. If it's from someone I respect I take the criticism very seriously however. That's why I appreciate that I have friends who will speak up when they see me doing something they don't like, and appreciate that I will do the same.

[rbnyc]

2. I predict...

...most will pick 7 after reading them all again. I think criticism that is given rudely or in bad faith is the major contributor to a poor response.

[REP]

3. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT, EXACTLY?

In my mind, critique is okay; criticism isn't. I know this makes no sense.

[rbnyc]

6. That does make sense.

:loveya:

[REP]

11. That's because you're a nice person...

... or you fear my spleen can reach from California to NY! :loveya:

[lunatica]

12. I feel the same way

It makes sense. I prefer to give positive and constructive critiques too.

[struggle4progress]

4. Where's the "I go home and toss back a couple of six packs and sit in my dimly-lit basement and

flip angrily through my back issues of Soldier of Fortune magazine and wonder if maybe there aren't too many people in the world" option?

:shrug:

[rbnyc]

7. LOL

Is that YOUR "other?"

[struggle4progress]

10. I'm workin on it, but right now it still takes me over a month to drink two six packs, and

I still haven't found a bookshop that carries back issues of Soldier of Fortune

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. in the heat of the battle, just tell me and lets get the job done

I will worry about my feelings later.

[rbnyc]

8. Cool. nt

[Old Troop]

9. If you have to ask, you're not my friend.

[OhioBlue]

13. It really depends on who it is coming from and how much

respect I have for them. If it comes from a professional - like say, my doctor, or the pediatrician, I take it very well and am appreciative for the information. In a work related situation, I don't usually take it well unless it is someone that I look up to.