Alright, listen up, y’all. Today, we gonna talk about how to deal with them critical folks, the ones always pickin’ at ya like a chicken peckin’ corn. I tell ya, life’s too short for that kinda nonsense.
First thing’s first, you gotta figure out who’s doin’ the criticizin’. Is it your boss? Your neighbor? That nosy lady down the street? See, some folks, their opinions just ain’t worth a plugged nickel. If it’s someone who don’t know nothin’ about nothin’, well, you just gotta let it roll off ya like water off a duck’s back.
- Don’t go gettin’ your feathers ruffled over every little thing.
- Some people, they just born grumpy, can’t help themselves.
Now, if it’s someone you care about, like your husband or your best friend, that’s a different story. You gotta listen, even if it stings a bit. But listenin’ don’t mean you gotta agree with everything they say. Remember that. You got a brain of your own, don’t ya?
One thing my old pappy used to say, “Don’t take it personal.” And he was right, most of the time. Folks got their own problems, their own worries, and sometimes they just takin’ it out on you. It ain’t about you, see? It’s about them. Maybe they had a bad day, maybe their cornbread burned, who knows? Don’t you go lettin’ their bad mood ruin yours.
But let’s say they got a point. Maybe you did mess up. Maybe you forgot to feed the chickens, or you left the gate open and the cow got out. Well, own up to it. Ain’t no shame in admittin’ you ain’t perfect. Say you’re sorry, and then fix it. That’s all there is to it.
And if their criticism is just plain mean and nasty, well, you gotta stand up for yourself. Don’t let ’em walk all over you. You tell ’em straight, “I don’t appreciate you talkin’ to me like that.” You ain’t gotta yell or scream, just be firm. Let ’em know you ain’t gonna be nobody’s doormat.
Sometimes, you gotta just take a deep breath and count to ten. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. If you fly off the handle, you’ll just make things worse. Give yourself some time to cool down before you respond. Go for a walk, weed the garden, whatever helps you clear your head.
Now, there’s a difference between someone tryin’ to help you and someone just tryin’ to tear you down. If they givin’ you advice, even if it’s tough to hear, that’s one thing. But if they just belittlin’ you and makin’ you feel small, that’s somethin’ else entirely. That’s what they call toxic. You don’t need that kinda negativity in your life. Cut ’em loose, I say.
And here’s somethin’ important: don’t go holdin’ onto grudges. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. It don’t mean you gotta forget what they did, but it means you ain’t gonna let it eat away at you. Let it go, and move on. Life’s too short to be carryin’ around a bunch of bitterness.
When you do respond, do it calmly and respectfully. Don’t go gettin’ down in the mud with ’em. Tell ’em how their words make you feel, but don’t go accusin’ or blamin’. Use “I” statements, like “I feel hurt when you say that.” That way, you’re expressin’ yourself without puttin’ them on the defensive.
And lastly, remember to prioritize your relationships. If it’s someone you care about, try to work things out. Sometimes, a good talk is all it takes. But if they just keep on criticizin’ and tearin’ you down, well, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate that relationship. You deserve to be around people who lift you up, not bring you down.
- Don’t take it personal.
- Give yourself time to cool off.
- Is it helpful or hurtful?
- Speak up for yourself, but be respectful.
- Prioritize your good relationships.
So, there you have it. That’s my two cents on dealin’ with critical folks. It ain’t always easy, but it’s somethin’ we all gotta learn to do. Just remember, you’re stronger than you think, and you deserve to be treated with respect. Don’t let nobody tell you different.
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