I’ve heard it said, ‘don’t criticise what you don’t understand.’ Instead, we may come in from a place of knowing, when in reality we may know very little. We fall into a pattern where we have an opinion, we criticise, we assume, and we think we know.
We become less critical, however, when we walk in another person’s shoes and experience what they experience. When we come to experience the same things ourselves, we can gain an insight into what they've had to deal with, instead of thinking we know.
'Armchair knowledge' as it's known, can be a dangerous thing. But in any event, isn't it better to support and listen, rather than assume, be critical, or think we know what other people deal with?
We may help by listening and allowing others to talk freely, instead of us coming in from a place of thinking we know, when in reality we may not know.
Some folks are insecure, so they make noises to feel taller than you, to criticize no matter how annoying and ridiculous they are; it's kind of crazy, literally.
You're a gentleman Tim. Having lived a lifetime with someone insecure I know how that works, sadly.
It also depends on how much noise they make and for how long. Sadly, it's abuse when we're continually on the receiving side of their critiques.
I think those that are extremely critical and have the 'holier than thou' attitude will regret being that way at some time in their lives, due to karma. I used to be compared to a duck.
I would just let things roll off my back, like water rolls off a ducks back. I don't pay attention to the critical stuff. Some of it can be something we need to hear, but most of the time it is just criticism.
You're right, people don't know your story.
Thanks Lisa. Yes, I feel for you. it's a sad world we live in. I think it's easy to let go of some people's criticism, but personally I'm not convinced we let go of all of it.
Unconsciously, we're still affected by what we hear if it's sad often enough. I think it cruel when any child is faced with the kind of taunts you were faced with Lisa and wonder how parents got this totally wrong.
Children learn from their parents, therefore we must lead as an example. The world would be better, we would all be better with each other if we were taught, empathy, compassion and tolerance.
Yes, you're right. It's my story. We each have a story and others must listen.