Criticism - To Accept, To Reject or To Ignore?

What is criticism?

Based on wikipedia, criticism is - the practice of judging the merits and faults of something or someone in an intelligible (or articulate) way.

In a simpler manner, it is a way of verbal communication that is being delivered by the critic(a person) towards a human being, animals, social group, a certain behaviour, object and etc.

For me, I would define criticism as a statement that creates a vibe within yourself when it is directed to us. So when I get that uneasy feeling when a person says something to me and I know it is not something that I would like to hear at all because it has got to do with my behaviour, appearance or whatsoever, I categorise that as criticism.

Now I am not going to talk about criticism given towards a politician, or a society or such, there is so much more; but I want to talk about criticism from a person you live nearby with(a neighbour perhaps or your housemate) or a close family member towards you. Or maybe a critic from your boss in your workplace or from a colleague in your school. Basically,what I want to talk here is criticism from anyone in your circle of life. 

Yes, it is hard to hear a criticism from a person who is close to you. Don't worry, I get that feeling too and have been there before..

 However, what is more important after hearing a criticism is how do we respond to it. How well do we react to that situation even though we are burning inside with all those mixed emotions. 

So, do we accept it, reject it or ignore it?? 

If you have watched the movie Ratatouille, you might remember this guy, Anton Ego who is a restaurant critic.. Why, whenever he says something about food, he always gives a negative feedback.  

As you see, there will always be some people around us who has always been comfortable being a critic their entire life probably.

 Well, it's not like we can do anything about it to make them stop criticising , however, we can do something about it to make sure it does not affect our self esteem or our confidence when we hear it.

Okay, the question is, how do we react??

We accept it? Well, maybe if you are strong enough..

We reject it? Hmm, what if it is a critic that helps build u??

We ignore it? Safest way to escape from this mean world and live without fear.. ;-)


I really wish there was a correct and perfect answer for this, however, the answer solely lies upon us. All three answers above works in a way that you need to respond to criticisms individually based on how it is being meant by the critic.

We can accept a critic when we know what is told could actually benefit us,it gives us a sense of cool emotion when we are being criticised. And later part, that critic makes us to think about ourselves and initiate us to make ourselves better. 

We are also entitled to reject a criticism when we know it is coming from a negative point of view. If say, a person critics about your physical appearance that seems to be a nuisance to them, then that is not coming from a good place. We can immediately choose to either let that sink into us or totally do not give them the power by rejecting what they say to us.

Of course, I do not mean saying it in their face like, "I reject what you say and I don't agree at all. How could you say that, have you even see yourself in the mirror before? ".  I have seen this happen before. Sometimes, it happens between common friends, where a friend critics his/her friend physical appearance, and automatically the offended friend defends him/herself by seeking revenge and it creates a huge argument in the end and everyone ends up being hurt. We want to avoid this situation as much as possible right...


Instead, we could just smile back and say,"Thank you for noticing that, but I think I can pull this off. But I appreciate you say to me and being honest about it. Thank you".

Guess what would happen next, if you reply them with politeness and at the same time showing that it does not affect you?

They will be offended instead. It will give them the sense of awareness that they have hurt you but instead you acted so maturely in front of them. Wouldn't you want to be the bigger person instead? That will be much cooler right!! =)

So how about ignoring a criticism? 

Sometimes, we have to ignore. When? 

Usually, when you feel what is being said does not impact you at all. It does not affect you emotionally neither does it make you feel to better yourself.

Ignoring a criticism usually occur when you are really independent and you know your self-worth,and you are able to self-love yourself instead of worrying too much of others. 

Yes, the above quote says it all in a simple manner. You totally have the power to your own reaction. Just remember to always pause, take a deep breath and think for yourself. Reflect upon what is being said, how it works for you. 

Make your own decision - accept, reject or ignore!

Life is beautiful when you know your own self worth. Keep going even when you feel like you don't want to go on just because someone said something so bad, that it keeps playing at the back of your mind.

Know when to stop. Yes, you are allowed to feel sad and bad, but never ever let it run wild and think and think and keep thinking till you make it so big inside your head and every other things seem so small.

Accept what has happened, accept the criticism, or reject it or you can ignore it,  then the next thing would be to show your true self. Don't be afraid to radiate and be yourself. It is when you are comfortable in your own skin that you can keep going on without having to worry about people's mind, talk, behaviour and anything at all.

In fact, you have a lot more power towards mankind than you have been allowed to believe growing up.

Face life with openness and embrace each minute of it. Life will be yours...