Constructive Criticism in a Relationship​: Importance & Tips

Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots. – Frank A. Clark

Picture this: your partner points out something about you, but instead of feeling supported, you feel attacked. 

Does criticism always have to sting, or can it be a tool for growth? 

We’ve all been there—wondering what is constructive criticism in a relationship and how to give constructive criticism in a relationship without causing unnecessary tension.

Can feedback be shared in a way that helps, rather than hurts? And how do you offer it without your partner feeling like they’re under attack?

Here’s the truth: when done right, constructive criticism can strengthen your bond. 

This article talks about how to give constructive criticism in relationships with 10 actionable tips, helping you promote understanding while still addressing concerns effectively.

What is constructive criticism?

Constructive criticism in a relationship can also be labeled as positive criticism, as it does not come with the negative connotation that criticism in general can have. 

According to researchers, there are several features of constructive criticism:

• It is non-threatening.
• It avoids placing blame on the person.
• It gives specific information. 
• The person giving it uses a considerate tone.

Constructive criticism is in contrast to more hostile forms of criticism, in which a partner is inconsiderate or threatening when offering feedback. The intent of hostile criticism is to hurt someone’s feelings, whereas constructive criticism serves as a form of feedback that is intended to improve a relationship.

The intent is not to insult the other person, but rather to give specific examples of behavior and request change that will result in the growth of the relationship. 

Constructive criticism vs. destructive criticism

Criticism in relationships can either build bridges or burn them down. The difference between constructive criticism vs. destructive criticism in relationships lies in the intent and delivery. Constructive criticism in a relationship helps you grow, while destructive criticism only causes harm.

So, how do you give constructive criticism in relationships without it feeling like an attack? And where does the line fall between criticism vs. feedback in relationships? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

Importance of constructive criticism in relationships

Constructive criticism in relationships is important because it is an alternative to hostile or destructive criticism, which can be harmful to relationships.

In fact, relationship expert Dr. John Gottman describes criticism as one of the “four horsemen” that can lead to the breakup of relationships. The difference with this type of criticism vs. constructive criticism is that negative criticism represents an attack on a partner’s character, leading to hurt feelings.

On the other hand, constructive criticism can help to avoid the negative consequences of destructive criticism.

Constructive criticism is important because it helps relationships to grow instead of damaging them. When two people enter into a relationship with each other, they bring with them different viewpoints and life experiences.

This means that they will inevitably have differences of opinion and misunderstandings from time to time. Constructive criticism helps couples to develop a deeper understanding of each other and find solutions to manage their differences so that the relationship can grow.

Benefits of constructive criticism in relationships

It is also important to note that healthy relationships require a certain degree of vulnerability in order to achieve emotional intimacy. When people avoid any and all criticism, including constructive criticism, they miss out on opportunities to grow closer to each other.

Check out these benefits of constructive criticism:

• Growth within the relationship is certainly a benefit of constructive criticism and helps partners bond better.
• Research has shown that constructive criticism actually leads to higher relationship satisfaction, meaning that partners who give each other positive criticism are actually happier in their relationships.
• Furthermore, offering constructive criticism can help people to cope with difficult tasks. If your partner is experiencing stress regarding a situation at work, offering some constructive criticism may just give them the push they need to get through it.
• Accepting constructive criticism within a relationship is also healthy. While partners certainly want to have more positive than negative interactions with each other, it is inevitable that there will be disagreements from time to time.
• It would be a disadvantage to the relationship for both partners to hold their concerns inside and avoid discussing problems. Constructive criticism offers an opportunity for two people in a relationship, to be honest with each other and work through their differences in a healthy manner.
• Being able to offer positive criticism to each other builds trust, creates healthy communication, and allows partners to be honest and transparent with each other.

Examples of constructive criticism in relationships

Let’s explore real-life constructive criticism examples of how you can approach delicate issues with care while encouraging positive change in your relationship.

• “I’ve noticed that when you come home from work you are often short with me, and this makes me feel like I’m a bother to you. I think it would be helpful to our relationship if you would change your approach toward me when you get home.”
• “I appreciate that you take the time to plan date nights with me, but when we meet up for dinner, you are often late. Would you be willing to make more of an effort to be on time?”
• “It has been bothering me that you leave your dirty clothes lying on the bathroom floor in the evening. It would be helpful to me if you could make an effort to put them in the laundry basket. Is this something that seems reasonable to you?”

10 ways to give constructive criticism to your partner

Now that you understand the benefits of constructive criticism, it’s time to put what you know into practice. Consider the following ten methods of how to give constructive criticism:

1. Express what your needs are

When we give hostile criticism, we tend to state what our partner is doing wrong, which doesn’t offer a solution. Instead, tell your partner what you need them to be doing differently.

Hearing what they are doing wrong, or what their flaws are, can wear on your partner, but if you give specific feedback about what you need, your partner can actually do something with it, rather than sitting and listening to what you dislike about them.

2. Prepare for multiple scenarios

Before you approach your partner regarding your criticism feedback, consider how they might react, thinking of multiple potential reactions. Prepare for how you will respond in each case to avoid having an overly emotional reaction in which you say something hurtful that you do not mean. 

3. Begin on a positive note

It can be helpful to begin your constructive criticism in a relationship with a compliment or an acknowledgment of something positive your partner has done, so they will be more receptive to your request for change. 

4. Avoid character attacks

This may seem obvious, but it is easy to fall into the pattern of attacking your partner’s character when you attempt to give criticism. Avoid making statements such as, “You’re so sloppy!” This is a blatant attack and is by no means constructive. 

5. Admit when you are wrong

No one is perfect, and your partner will be more open to your constructive criticism in a relationship if you admit there are areas in which you need to improve, too.

If you bring a communication problem to their attention, for instance, you might indicate that you realize that you also need to work on your communication skills, and explain to them what you will be doing to resolve your role in the problem.

6. Be willing to accept your partner

Sometimes when partners have a disagreement and one person offers criticism to the other, there is no right or wrong party. Two people may simply have different viewpoints, so you have to accept that your partner may not agree with your feedback and may not see a need to change.

If this is the case, you may have to let the issue go and choose acceptance. 

7. Be willing to table the issue for later

You may attempt to give constructive criticism but find that your partner becomes defensive. If this is the case, you may have to end the conversation and agree to revisit it later.

8. Ask for permission to converse

Instead of assuming your partner is open to your critique, it can be beneficial to ask if they are willing to have a conversation. You might begin by saying, “I have noticed something that is bothering me, and I am wondering if you might be open to having a conversation.”

You can also show respect for your partner by asking if it is a good time to talk, rather than confronting them with constructive criticism at a time that may not be best for them. 

9. Be cautious about what you say

Since it is important to come across as being non-threatening and considerate, you will need to choose your words carefully when giving constructive criticism in relationships. You may want to rehearse what you will say, or consider multiple ways of expressing yourself before deciding upon the best course of action.

10. Express vulnerability

Being vulnerable with your partner can soften their defenses and make them more open to listening to what you’re saying. Instead of attacking them for being late or for forgetting your anniversary, you may express that you felt fearful or neglected.

When you express yourself in this way, your partner understands that you are coming from a place of pain and asking for their help, rather than demonizing them. 

5 ways to take constructive criticism

Taking constructive criticism is also an important part of a relationship. Consider the following strategies for how to handle constructive criticism when it is given to you: 

1. Take some time to process what your partner is saying

• When someone offers criticism, even if it is constructive, your initial reaction may be to become defensive. 
• Instead of reacting, take some time to process what your partner has said, and consider if there is truth to their statement. 

2. Take time to listen

• Just as you might become defensive when presented with criticism, it is also possible to react by interrupting your partner or simply waiting for your turn to speak.
• Instead of taking this approach, make an effort to truly listen, so your partner will feel heard. Sometimes, people just want validation that their feelings are recognized.

3. Be open to compromise

• You might not agree with everything your partner is saying, and that’s entirely acceptable, but even if you aren’t on the same page, it can be helpful to compromise.
• Perhaps your partner is expressing frustration over the amount of time you spend with friends, and you may not be willing to give up all of all of it, but you can consider planning one date night a month in place of going out with friends, as a way to compromise.

Check out this video to understand the benefits of compromising in a relationship:

4. Ask questions

• When your partner offers constructive criticism, you may have questions, and it is okay to ask them! Asking questions can help you to explore the issue further so you understand your partner’s point of view.
• If they express that they are offended by a behavior, you engage in or a statement you make, ask questions about what they found to be so offensive. This can help you to get to the root of the problem.

5. Be willing to make improvements

• If your partner offers constructive criticism and you realize there is some truth to what they are saying, make an effort to change your behavior.
• It can sometimes be difficult to swallow your pride and admit to your own imperfections, but when doing so benefits the relationship, both parties win.
• Remember, true constructive criticism is meant to offer you feedback so that you can make positive changes, so as hard as it may be to admit to your faults, accepting the feedback and taking action benefits you as well.

Being constructive about it

People may be fearful of constructive criticism in relationships, but two people will disagree from time to time. Using hostile criticism and attacking each other is not healthy for the relationship, but neither is holding in feelings until they cause resentment to build.

By being considerate and non-threatening and expressing specific behaviors that have created a concern for you, you can offer your partner constructive criticism so the relationship can grow. The only caveat is that you, too, must be willing to accept positive criticism from your partner.

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Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jenni Jacobsen is a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University, and she is in the process of completing her dissertation for a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology. She has worked in the social work field for 8 years and is currently a professor at Mount... Read more Vernon Nazarene University. She writes website content about mental health, addiction, and fitness.   Licensed as both a social worker through Ohio Board of Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage/Family Therapists and school social worker through Ohio Department of Education as well as a personal trainer through American Council on Exercise. Read less

(Jennifer Jacobsen is also listed in Best Marriage Therapists in Ashland)