Some people find it hard to receive criticism. Some people feel that it's a self-esteem issue that needs to be resolved.

Some people do not feel very comfortable receiving compliments. Some people feel that it's a self-esteem issue that needs to be resolved.

Criticism and compliments are somewhat similar – they are evaluative and express a subjective attitude. They arise in the moment and are reactive – meaning they are a voiced reaction to what is happening.

On one hand, assessments help us orient ourselves. Or even learn something: it's much faster to learn to speak another language if someone is indicating whether I'm speaking correctly or not. And it's much more difficult to do this if you have to check every word by experience.

On the other hand, assessments always represent only a brief characterization. It's as if you've been captured by an instant camera and handed a photo (whether with admiration or horror, it doesn't matter much). And here there is room for embarrassment and the desire to complete the picture.

Yes, but actually, I'm not always like this.

When we receive an assessment of our Self, we may quite rightfully feel its inadequacy. Because our Self cannot fit into a single photograph. Self is always broader than an image. Self is always broader than any compliment or remark.

Today my Self is one thing, tomorrow another. Today I know who I am, tomorrow I might begin to seriously doubt it.

And since even I cannot capture my Self entirely, what can be expected of random passersby?

In seeking my "true" Self, in attempts to find a pedestal for the sculpture of my personality, we inevitably have to accept the imperfection of these searches in their vastness.

And here, it may be difficult to pause periodically. And not to create problems where they have not yet naturally arisen.