Andrea Lynn Piazza

Why does criticism hit me so hard?

Ten statements. Choose how true each one is for you. You'll see which patterns make criticism feel so intense, and one thing to try for each. It takes about two minutes.

Educational, not a diagnosis. Nothing is saved or sent.

01When someone criticizes me, my first thought is that they don't like me anymore.
02I can't relax until I know the person isn't disappointed in me.
03After criticism I feel like I'm a bad person, not just that I made a mistake.
04Small mistakes feel unacceptable to me.
05Criticism from a boss, teacher or parent hits much harder than from a friend.
06I agree or apologize quickly just to end the disagreement.
07I cry, freeze, go hot or shut down before I can think.
08I keep replaying criticism for days.
09I explain myself a lot after someone is unhappy with me.
10My body reacts even when I don't agree with what they said.