Criticism and It's Effects

From time to time I receive some pretty harsh criticism. Don't always know why. Don't care why.

Criticism is easy to dish out. And it usually comes from people who feel inadequate or who are jealous. By being critical, they feel better about themselves.

But it's a false attitude of superiority.

Critics are usually failures. And they are usually failures at the very thing they claim to be superior in. Strange.

They don't recognize that there is a difference between offering a helpful suggestion and making a criticism. They throw the dart because it "feels better". And when there is a reaction they didn't expect, they claim it was just "constructive criticism".

There is no such thing. Criticism is criticism. And it is especially brutal in writing because what is in written format takes on a life of its own.

Before you run out and criticize something or someone, ask yourself how you would react if you were on the receiving end. Think about the ramifications, if any, you might encounter if your comments are perceived as rude, uncaring or disrespectful.

Then ask yourself, "Is it worth it to me to vent on this person? What might I lose in the process?"