Receiving negative comments is something that can be inevitable in daily life, especially in the age of social media. These comments can come from a variety of places, such as friends, family, co-workers, or even strangers on the internet. Although it is normal to feel affected by this criticism, it is important to learn to handle it in a healthy way. In this article, I will present you five effective tricks so that negative comments do not bother you so much.
1. Understand that it is normal to feel affected
Before addressing how to handle negative comments, it is crucial to recognize that it is completely normal to feel affected by them. As humans, we tend to worry about what others think about us, and critical comments can hurt our self-esteem and trigger negative emotions. It's important to validate your own feelings and not judge yourself for feeling bad about negative comments.
Accept your emotions
Instead of repressing your emotions, allow yourself to feel what you feel. Sadness, anger or frustration are normal responses to criticism, and accepting these emotions is the first step to being able to manage them in a healthy way.
2. Reflect on the intention behind the comment
Not all negative comments are constructive, and many times they reflect more on the person making them than on yourself. Before you get carried away with criticism, take a moment to reflect on the intention behind the comment. Does it come from someone close to you who seeks your well-being, or is it simply a baseless attack?
Discern between constructive and destructive criticism
Constructive criticism aims to help you grow and improve, while destructive criticism seeks to hurt you without providing any real value. Learning to discern between these two types of comments will allow you to filter what you can really consider and what you can discard without affecting your self-esteem.
3. Work on your self-esteem and self-confidence
A solid self-esteem is key to not being affected so much by negative comments. When you trust yourself and your abilities, external criticism tends to have less impact on your emotional state. Spend time working on your self-esteem and building your self-confidence.
Practice self-compassion
Self-compassion is treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times. Instead of beating yourself up for making mistakes, give yourself the same support and comfort that you would give to a loved one. Self-compassion will help you handle external criticism in a healthier way.
4. Set healthy boundaries
Not all criticism deserves your attention or response. It is essential to set healthy boundaries in your interactions with others, especially in situations where negative comments can affect your emotional well-being. Learn to identify when it is necessary to ignore a comment and when it is appropriate to defend your position.
Apply the "filter" rule
Imagine that you have a filter that allows you to pass only constructive and helpful criticism, while stopping destructive and hurtful criticism. This metaphor will help you discern more clearly which comments deserve your consideration and which do not.
5. Focus on personal growth
Instead of seeing negative comments as obstacles, transform them into opportunities for personal growth. Every criticism, no matter how painful, can give you a new perspective on yourself and your actions. Take advantage of these moments to reflect, learn, and improve as an individual.
Look for learning in every criticism
Instead of automatically rejecting a negative comment, ask yourself what you can learn from it. Is there anything you can improve in your behavior or decisions? Use each criticism as an opportunity to grow and evolve as a person.
In short, learning to handle negative comments in a healthy way is a process that takes time and practice. By validating your emotions, reflecting on the intention behind the criticism, strengthening your self-esteem, setting healthy boundaries, and focusing on personal growth, you can significantly reduce the impact that this criticism has on your emotional well-being. Remember that no one is exempt from receiving negative comments, but the key is how you decide to manage them and what lessons you can draw from them to move forward with confidence and resilience.