Do you usually expect negative comments when you ask for someone's opinion?
Would you believe really positive feedback is sincere?

"I know when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me "Do I look okay?"
I say.....
When I see your face,
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are.
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are."
- From the song 'Just The Way You Are' by Bruno Mars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk

"Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought."
- Margaret Chase Smith

"Constructive criticism is about finding something good and positive to soften the blow to the real critique of what really went on."
- Paula Abdul

"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots."
- Frank A. Clark

MainMessageForToday
Nobody likes the harsh critic. They prefer 'soft' criticism.

Honest criticism of behavior......

From the song 'Love Don't Cost A Thing" by Jennifer Lopez:

When I took a chance, thought you'd understand,
Baby, credit cards aren't romance,
So you're trying to buy what's already yours,
What I need from you is not available in stores.
Seen a side of you that I really feel,
Doing way too much, never keep it real,
If it doesn't change, gotta hit the road,
Now I'm leaving, where's my keys I've got to go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kGvlESGvbs

Criticism/Evaluations could be harsh......

Feedback from Michael Kors on Project Runway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3Ez_bV_Lr8

"When you receive criticism from well-meaning people, it pays to ask, ‘Are they right?’ And if they are, you need to adapt what they’re doing. If they’re not right, if you really have conviction that they’re not right, you need to have that long-term willingness to be misunderstood. It’s a key part of invention."
- Jeff Bezos

"The motive behind criticism often determines its validity. Those who care criticize where necessary. Those who envy criticize the moment they think that they have found a weak spot."
- Criss Jami

"No one should be so precious as to refuse criticism of their work. But to respect an opinion, we have to know that it was given honestly and with proper thought."
- Joanne Harris

"If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own."
- Henry Ford

MainMessageForToday
Criticism could be helpful when the critic means well and wants you to improve.

People react to criticism in different ways.

"I am beautiful no matter what they say,
Words can't bring me down.
I am beautiful in every single way,
Yes, words can't bring me down... Oh no.
So don't you bring me down today."
- From the song 'Beautiful' by Christina Aguilera

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAfyFTzZDMM

"So as an amateur Olympic competitor I loved criticism, because it made me better. But now as a professional I don't really know how to channel it or where to take it, so I don't take it quite as well."
- Scott Hamilton

"The important thing to me is that I'm not driven by people's praise and I'm not slowed down by people's criticism. I'm just trying to work at the highest level I can."
- Russell Crowe

"How do I respond to criticism? Critically. I listen to all criticism critically."
- Paul Thomas Anderson

“One of the most valuable things one of my art teachers said to me was, ‘Don’t get upset by criticism. Value the fact that at least someone noticed what you did.'”
― Chris Ware

“I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free.”
― Georgia O'Keeffe

MainMessageForToday
We are imperfect beings. How do you react to criticism about your imperfections?

Theme for the week 4/3 - 4/9: #Criticism, which follows last week's theme Imperfection.