You will often see the words disapproval, judgment, and faults when you do a Google search on the definition of the word criticism. Many people believe that offering constructive criticism helps improve and build relationships - whether personal or professional. With the negative words associated with the word criticism, why are we surprised that many relationships fail to achieve their goal of finding solutions to the challenges they encounter?

Today, I share what appreciation is and how it is related to criticism. I discuss the big distinction between complaints and criticism, how to test yourself to know if you're being critical, and the difference between judging-type questions and learning-type questions. I share stories of how criticism creeps up in my own personal relationships, how I 'dial down' my inner critic, and how it impacts your external behaviors and criticism. I also share the formula for resolving differences, what relationship hygiene is and the relevance of doing it, and how your habits affect your ability to be positive or negative in your relationships.

"Love does not survive critical judgements from a loved one." - Pripo Teplitsky

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• The difference between constructive criticism and constructive feedback.
• Why we need to wipe out criticism as much as possible.
• One defining aspect of criticism.
• Examples of critical statements versus statements of constructive complaint.
• Causes of relationship erosion between couples who have been together for many years.
• The difference between advice-giving and criticism.
• Why people do not change when criticized.
• How habits of criticism creep up in my marriage and how my wife and I handle these situations.
• How criticism fuels habitual anger.
• How to dial down the inner critic in you.
• The story of how I learned best through a coach who gave encouraging feedback, focused on the solution and positivity.
• How children interpret their parents' constant criticism.
• What matters in a relationship - getting things done versus contributing to each other's happiness and well-being.
• Different approaches when you desire to give unsolicited advice.
• Why it's crucial to stick to one complaint at a time.
• What happens when you try to focus on more than one complaint per discussion.
• Why the transformational process is more significant than the resolution process.
• Why you should avoid discussions when you're busy and stressed out.
• How to practice changing the way you think about the people in your life.
• The relevance of creating habits to be more positive, open, and curious.

Join Us for The Power of Appreciation Workshop for Couples

Join Pripo and his wife, Yvonne Rainbow Teplitsky, on Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Asheville, NC to learn the secrets of unlocking the Power of Appreciation in your relationships. Genuine appreciation, regardless of how simple or profound, has been proven to bring an immediate shift in the quality and closeness of loving relationships. The Power of Appreciation Workshop for Couples will teach you the necessary skills and fundamental process of enriching your relationship with your partner, deepening the connection, and enhancing the flow of positive.

To learn more about The Power of Appreciation Workshop for Couples, and to register, visit HeartShare Counseling & Consulting PC or call (828) 712-8398.

Let's Talk About It!

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Relationships! Let's Talk About It - the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review.

Don't forget to visit our website, join us on Facebook at HeartShare Counseling and Relationships! Let's Talk About It, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.

And if our content has helped you forge deeper connections and more meaningful relationships, be sure to help support the show by visiting our Support the Podcast page!

Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk

Relationships! Let's Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com