It is not so much what others do that matters. It is more about how you respond to them. If they are being critical, you may want to inspect your actions and discover what you might be doing to challenge their values. When someone criticizes me I look for where someone is simultaneously praising me and awaken to the ever present balance in the universe. We need both sides to center us. If we get manic, elated, cocky or above the equilibrium point we attract criticism to humble back to the center – our true authentic self. I ask how does their criticism serve me and discover the hidden benefits and then their criticism becomes my feedback to guide me back to my most powerful self. When we become addicted to praise we attract criticism to liberate us from our addiction. Praise can make us dependent, while criticism can make us stronger and independent.