1. Acknowledge the feelings it evokes in you.

2. Look at the source of the criticism … Is it someone you respect, or is someone who complains and criticise others – so it says more about them than you?

3. Ask yourself – “what do I agree with in what that person said, and what should I reject – because it’s clearly wrong?”

4. Ask yourself what you think their motivation was. Was in it designed to help you, or to hurt and tear you down?

5. Think of how you’ll deal with criticism in the future. What boundaries could stop you being hurt once again?