Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • Contact Us
  • Community
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • Contact Us
  • Community
No Result
View All Result
Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle Relationships

How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully

How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully

How To Handle Difficult Feedback

Parent Coach for Moms of Teens: Fern Weis

Learning how to handle difficult feedback can transform painful moments into opportunities for self-awareness, growth, and stronger relationships.

Why Difficult Feedback Hurts So Much:

Have you ever been told something about yourself that really hit a nerve?

You’ve heard the phrase, “If the shoe fits, wear it.” At Hyde School, they add a twist: “If the shoe fits, wear it. If not, throw it away.” In other words, when someone gives you feedback, especially something uncomfortable, how do you respond?

There are two common, unhealthy ways people handle criticism. I know which category I used to fall into. Can you see yourself in one of them?

The Two Common Traps: Aggressive vs. Passive Response:

The Aggressive Responder:

You reject criticism immediately. You take it personally, get defensive, and maybe even go on the attack. “I didn’t say or do what you’re accusing me of. And you’ve done it, too!” This kind of reaction shuts down reflection and destroys communication. It doesn’t go anywhere good.

The Passive Responder:

You accept every comment and judgment as truth. If there’s even a kernel of accuracy, you feel guilty and not good enough. You overanalyze and avoid confrontation, allowing self-doubt to take over. Relationships suffer here, too.

Both types come from a fragile ego. Whether you lash out or shrink back, the result is the same: resentment, hurt relationships, and eroded self-esteem. These reactions chip away at your inner strength, but you can learn to restore self-confidence even when criticism knocks you off balance.

I used to be solidly in Type Two. Slowly and intentionally, I’ve been learning not to internalize everything, not to define myself by what others say. It’s life-changing work.

So what can you do instead? Here are four ways to replace flawed, “stinkin’ thinkin’” with thoughtful responses:

How To Handle Difficult Feedback–4 Empowering Ways:

  1. “Thanks for sharing. I’ll think about what you said.” This simple response interrupts the cycle of reaction. Take a breath, reflect. If it’s true, consider change. If not, release it.
  2. “I’m not responsible for someone else’s thoughts and feelings. You’re not in charge of another person’s inner world. Don’t take on their anger or judgments as your own burden.
  3. “If it’s true, it’s just one part of me—not all of me.”
  4. “What can I learn from this? Whether the feedback is valid or not, there’s always something to take away. Insight leads to growth and letting go leads to peace.

When It’s Your Turn To Speak The Truth:

One more important piece: I’m open to hearing anything about me, as long as it’s said with concern and love. Angry accusations? That shuts me down. 

So, when it’s your turn to speak a hard truth, check your tone. Be helpful, not hurtful. Teach, don’t preach. Growth often means becoming an assertive female—someone who can speak truth with empathy, hold boundaries, and still stay open to feedback.

So… who’s up for some honest give-and-take today?

Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your content delivered straight to your inbox.

Fern Weis
About the Author:

Fern Weis is a Parent Empowerment Coach for Moms of Teens and a Family Recovery Coach. She’s also a wife, former middle school teacher, and the parent of two adult children who taught her more about herself than she ever could have imagined.  

Fern partners with moms of teens and young adults, privately and in groups. She helps them grow their confidence to build strong relationships and emotionally healthier kids who become successful adults.

She knows first-hand that when parents do the work, the possibilities for change are limitless; that it’s never too late to start; and you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more about Fern at www.fernweis.com. Schedule your complimentary Parent Support Call at https://calendly.com/talktofern/discovery-call. Ready for support? Apply for a complimentary 30-minute Parent Discovery Call at https://calendly.com/talktofern/discovery-call.

Related Posts

10 Ways To Build Dating Confidence For Women Over 50 (And Own Your Main Character Energy)
Relationships

10 Ways To Build Dating Confidence For Women Over 50 (And Own Your Main Character Energy)

October 10, 2025
Setting Boundaries With Adult Children Living At Home: 3 Parenting Shifts That Work
Relationships

Setting Boundaries With Adult Children Living At Home: 3 Parenting Shifts That Work

October 5, 2025
Losing Your Mother In Midlife: Grief, Legacy, And The Love That Remains
Relationships

Losing Your Mother In Midlife: Grief, Legacy, And The Love That Remains

October 5, 2025
Next Post
The Empowering Truth About Career Transition For Women Over 50

The Empowering Truth About Career Transition For Women Over 50

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

9 + five =

Recommended

How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully

How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully

4 days ago
Prioritize Your Health During Divorce: 5 Powerful Reasons It Matters

Prioritize Your Health During Divorce: 5 Powerful Reasons It Matters

2 weeks ago
The Real Meaning Of Self-Care: Building Habits That Actually Heal

The Real Meaning Of Self-Care: Building Habits That Actually Heal

4 days ago
Life After Breast Cancer: A Powerful Story Of Joy And Healing

Life After Breast Cancer: A Powerful Story Of Joy And Healing

1 week ago

Don't miss it

  • All
  • Jack's Smack
The Empowering Truth About Career Transition For Women Over 50
Work

The Empowering Truth About Career Transition For Women Over 50

October 11, 2025
How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully
Relationships

How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully

October 9, 2025
The Real Meaning Of Self-Care: Building Habits That Actually Heal
Mindfulness

The Real Meaning Of Self-Care: Building Habits That Actually Heal

October 9, 2025
Self-Care For Women Over 50: 7 Smart, Guilt-Free Moves
Health

Self-Care For Women Over 50: 7 Smart, Guilt-Free Moves

October 9, 2025
4 Smart Health Mistakes To Avoid As You Age Gracefully
Health

4 Smart Health Mistakes To Avoid As You Age Gracefully

October 9, 2025
10 Ways To Build Dating Confidence For Women Over 50 (And Own Your Main Character Energy)
Relationships

10 Ways To Build Dating Confidence For Women Over 50 (And Own Your Main Character Energy)

October 10, 2025

Purchase with a Purpose

  • Kindra Kindra
  • Better Not Younger – Better Hair Ahead Better Not Younger - Better Hair Ahead
  • Metamorphosis in Stanzas Metamorphosis in Stanzas $2.99 – $12.99Price range: $2.99 through $12.99
  • VitaJuwel – Healthy Water VitaJuwel - Healthy Water
whatsapp image 2024 05 17 at 21.38.19 933b48c6

Kuel Life is committed to normalizing aging for women. With more than 65 KL Thought Leaders, we bring you the latest, most relevant, HOT TOPICS to address the opportunities and challenges for women 50+.

LEARN MORE »

COMPANY INFO
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Press
  • Contact Us
PURCHASE INFO
  • FAQs
  • Payment Methods
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Refunds & Returns Policy
  • Membership
LATEST NEWS

The Empowering Truth About Career Transition For Women Over 50

October 11, 2025

How To Handle Difficult Feedback: 4 Empowering Ways To Respond Gracefully

October 9, 2025

The Real Meaning Of Self-Care: Building Habits That Actually Heal

October 9, 2025

Self-Care For Women Over 50: 7 Smart, Guilt-Free Moves

October 9, 2025

Sunday RoundUP Signup Here…

Be part of the movement to normalize aging. Get all your HOT TOPICS delivered directly to you.

 

CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.

 

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Cleantalk Pixel

Add New Playlist

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping
    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Community
      • Business Directory
      • Exclusive Member Content
      • Kuel Conversations
      • Share Your Story
    • lifestyle
      • Beauty & Fashion
      • Relationships
      • Home
      • Money
      • Work
      • Travel & Adventure
    • Wellness
      • Health
      • Fitness
      • Nutrition
      • Mindfulness
    • Jack’s Smack
    • Membership
    • eShop
      • Books
      • Kuel Swag
      • Services
      • Products
    • Contact Us
    • Sign In/ Sign Up

    CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.