Why does criticism affect you more than it should?

In Episode 7 of Responding in Relationships — Emotional Intelligence in Action for Better Communication, Josua Rine breaks down why feedback often feels personal, triggering defensiveness, withdrawal, and emotional reactions.

Most people don’t struggle with communication itself—
they struggle with how they receive criticism under pressure.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why criticism feels like a personal attack
• How emotional reactions are tied to identity and past experiences
• The difference between feedback and perceived threat
• Why defensiveness damages communication
• How to respond to criticism without losing control
• How emotional intelligence improves how you handle feedback

If you want stronger relationships, better communication skills, and more emotional control in difficult conversations, this episode will help you respond to criticism with clarity instead of reaction.

📘 Get the Pause & Respond book and workbook at:
pauseandrespond.com

Follow the podcast for more episodes on emotional intelligence, communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, and self-control.

Less reaction. More choice.