People's criticisms can create a wonderful playing field for you. I always choose my close friends based on their honesty. I want a friend who can say to me: "You know, I don't think that shirt really looks great on you" or "You know, today, you really were selfish and did not let me talk about my problem" and there are tons more...

Them letting me know things like that helps me be aware of myself and how I am portrayed. The way you think you are in your head may be different from how other people view you.

One day my friend told me I whined alot, and I had NO idea. Thank goodness she told me or I'd be the biggest whiner, with probably a lot less friends!

Criticism can hurt, but usually only if you feel the need to be perfect. And trust me, no one is and no one expects you to be. You're allowed to make mistakes and you should cherish the times you do because you can learn so much about yourself.

I know criticism takes time to adjust to, but start thinking of it as an honest opinion to help make you the best you can be instead of something dragging you down.

You may want to thank your friends for being so open and honest to you, because there are many people in this world who couldn't do that. You're very fortunate.