Learn To Defend Yourself Against Criticism In A Confident Way

“You did not do a good job today”, “If I were you, I would not have made that decision” … All day we are exposed to criticism. Is it difficult for you to defend yourself against criticism? Many people’s self-confidence is not well developed. But that is what allows us to defend ourselves and know how to react with respect.

Do not be defensive – ask questions

When someone criticizes us, our first reaction is to become defensive. We take it as an attack. It hurts us and feels offensive. That is why we react like this. But when we become defensive, we will want to attack back. We throw the criticism back in the face of the person who brought it, and try to give them a taste of their own medicine.

But if you want to learn how to defend yourself against criticism in a confident way, this is not the way to go. Attacking back only brings us down to their level. So,  when you feel the urge to defend yourself from the criticism of others, stop, breathe, and ask a question.

The question is something that the person who comes up with the criticism will not expect. For example, if someone says, “Wow, what are you wearing today?”,  Instead of trying to justify yourself, show your insecurity, or attack back, it is better to ask, “Why does it matter?” what am I  wearing? ”

They probably do not know what to say. Or, if they respond, it will not make sense. The most important thing is that you do not let the criticism make you angry,  and especially that it does not make you feel bad about yourself.

Confirm the criticism in a confident way

If someone criticizes something you have done, not to make you feel bad, but rather because they are right, it is not wise to be defensive. If a friend criticizes you for taking so long to get ready and meet him, it is not good to say  “Do you remember the time when I had to wait for you?”. Responding to criticism like this will not strengthen relationships. It undermines them, little by little, until they finally break down.

The ideal answer would be a confident one, such as: “You are right, it took me a long time to get ready.” Here is another example. If they say “I can not talk to you, you know nothing about politics ,” you can answer  “It’s true, I know nothing about politics.”

Admit that you do not know or that you were wrong. But never let anyone step on you or make you feel the need to change. If you do not know anything about politics because you are not really interested in it, there is no reason to wear yourself out and learn it just because someone said something that made you feel bad. Accept it as part of who you are and express your position without shame.

Learn to defend yourself against criticism in a confident way, but respect the opinions of others

Now, there is something very important that we can not forget. You can defend yourself confidently as long as you respect the opinions of others. But above all, respect yourself. If someone tells you that your outfit is ridiculous, there is no reason to be offended or reject that opinion. Respect it, accept it, and say, “Do you think so? Well, I love it. ”

We can not all have the same taste, and there is no reason for you to change yours. You can respect that the other person was honest and gave you his perspective. Remember, however, that your opinion is what matters most. It does not matter if people like how you dress. If you like it, this is what matters. If you think like that, you will learn how to be more flexible with the opinions and tastes of others.

Do you know how to defend yourself against criticism and be confident? How do you usually react when someone criticizes you?