Once again, eskie has read my mind, and replied with almost exactly what I would have written.

In addition, I received an over-abundance of criticism as a child, from a very young age. My mother was impossible to please, and my father sometimes fell into that trap, too. (He was much tougher on my brother.) I have a sister who tormented me, right in step with my parents. I had narcissistic acquaintances who heaped it on me every chance they found. So, to me, criticism can cut me very deeply, and bring up enormous trust issues, naturally.

I do still heed it, if it's legit. I examine myself, my motives and my behaviour on a regular basis. If it can help me along to a smoother path, and one of less harm for those around me, I will certainly try and make changes.

But if I suspect it is an attempt to denigrate, subjugate, and mess with my head, then I will not listen to it. It becomes useless and unhelpful, and is simply the stuff of egotistical campaigns against my person.