There are some people who are close to us who often end up being deeply critical of us. And it’s difficult to get away from this.

An example of this is a friend who’s mom badgers her about her personal decisions. Constantly telling her that she hasn’t done enough, that she should get married and that she should think about having kids.

And this friend doesn’t want to get married. Or have kids.

But this doesn’t stop the mom. And it also has an adverse affect on my friend.

It can be hurtful coming from someone so close.

So one way to combat this is to reframe who the criticism is coming from. Ask yourself if you’d take advice from them if you weren’t related.

In the case of my friends mom, the mom is an out of touch, self cantered person from a tiny town who bases her worth on the perception of others. She failed at her chosen career and now runs a small business.

She’s not the right person to give my friend advice about her law career, her relationships or whether she should have kids.

And by thinking of it this way, we’re able to deflect some of the intensity of the criticism.

If you wouldn’t take their advice if they were a stranger, don’t worry about their advice just because they’re related.

Image was taken at Babylonstoren a few years back 🙂

Blog: 190/365

Song of the day: If I could change your mind – HAIM