How to adequately respond if your personal choice is condemned or criticized
Miscellaneous / / April 05, 2023
The decisive voice in matters related to your life belongs only to you.
1. Don't worry about the opinions of others
We are too often preoccupied with what other people think of us and what they think we should do. And this is a huge obstacle that prevents us from loving ourselves.
When we worry about what a friend or neighbor will say, we cannot be ourselves, freely explore our individuality and evolve to become better. It doesn't let us live like this how we want.
2. Listen to yourself
In fact, no one has the right to dictate who you should be or become and how you manage your own life. You are the only one or the only one who can do this. No one knows your needs better than you. Therefore, you need to learn not to react to the pressure of society, but to listen to your own intuition is the best guide to life that is possible.
Of course, if you need advice, ask. Just make sure you take the problem to the right people - the ones you trust, who want you the best and is guided by your interests, and not by their own interests, who has more experience and who understands question. However, take any advice with a grain of salt. What works for the author of the recommendation may not necessarily work for you.
3. Use prepared answers
Depending on the context and who you're talking to, you may respond directly and politely to the person in response to a judgmental comment or criticism. And if you want to avoid conflict, then just nod, confirming that you heard the cue, and switch to another topic. But even in this case, it is better to speak out your arguments, at least mentally, to yourself.
Here are some examples of responses you can say out loud or to yourself:
- Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I know that you want to help. But I thought for a long time (s) and decided (s) to do it my own way. I hope you understand me.
- I am who I am and do what I think is best for me. Don't other people do the same?
- Everyone has their own life and their own idea of happiness. My decision will make me happy.
- Deep down inside I know this is what I need right now. Someone else's opinion will not affect my choice. I consider it correct.
- Another person in a similar situation could do exactly as you say. And I acted as my life experience and my values prompted me.
The next time you're given unsolicited advice or start out inappropriately criticize your choice, use the prepared answer. This will help you not to scroll through the unpleasant comment in your head for the next few days and easily let go of the situation.
Do you have ready-made answers when others condemn or criticize your choice? Share in the comments!
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