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I cannot tell you how many children and in-law children are pained by seemingly “helpful” remarks. Our children have a lot on their plates and even if they do things differently or have not lost all of their baby weight, there are more important things to focus one.

Constructive criticism is an oxymoron; criticism is essentially destructive. When we criticize someone, we damage their self-esteem to some extent. So try to be positive with other people. A compliment can go a long way – you cannot imagine how many people’s lives you can change just by complimenting them.

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Imagine: You compliment a woman who then goes home to her children in a good mood. Those children are then better behaved because they feel better about themselves and that leads to more positive reinforcement from their mother and an overall happier home. I know this may sound like an exaggeration, but these types of situations happen every day.

Sadly, the opposite can be true as well. Would you want to be the cause of a negative spiral? I should hope not. Think before you speak and try to point out the good in others.   The next time you see someone who has gained weight, find something to compliment him/her on instead.

Hatzlocha!


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Dr. Yael Respler is a psychotherapist in private practice who provides marital, dating and family counseling. Dr. Respler also deals with problems relating to marital intimacy. Letters may be emailed to [email protected]. To schedule an appointment, please call 917-751-4887. Dr. Orit Respler-Herman, a child psychologist, co-authors this column and is now in private practice providing complete pychological evaluations as well as child and adolescent therapy. She can be reached at 917-679-1612. Previous columns can be viewed at www.jewishpress.com and archives of Dr. Respler’s radio shows can be found at www.dryaelrespler.com.