Hi seekersinking, I guess one way is to assess whether you can use it constructively, and that you can do with the person or in your own reflection. Are they justified in the criticism, and can you use it to improve your circumstances, your well being, where you want/need to be, how you feel about yourself.......anything like that.
And some criticism that might come your way might be in your "best interests" theoretically but it's completely up to you if you want to acknowledge it/take it or leave it e.g. someone might be advising you on being more sociable (and I'm not talking about you here- just an example!!!) but you might not want that, it might not be "you".
And nothing wrong at all in being true to yourself, in being who you are/in who you are. In fact that's so important!!!! So I'd hope you could put it to one side and the person could still value you, care about you for who you are.
And anyway, in that case I'd say there were probably much more important qualities you would have than "being social"!!!!
But there might be times when you've done something wrong..........then who on earth hasn't!!!........if you can learn from that great.........but if there's nothing to learn...............then just remind yourself NO-ONE is perfect!!!! We're/you're only human.
And you know, if you've got people who are constantly criticizing you, I'd say they've got much bigger problems than you have. Call it stress, call it negativity, call it their own insecurities/fears/feelings of powerlessness, call it whatever you want.........it is them who have the much bigger problem/s. And don't let them pull you down, you're/you can be stronger than that!!!
So.............maybe make them helpful, make them useful to you, and the rest.............well try to let it go/it has no place.

And btw, just remember for each criticism somewhere down the line there'll be a validation as well (and if you're running on low them, just drop into us, you know we/I value you........so if you need a reminder..........!!! )



Alison