Dear Abby: My spouse constantly criticizes my creative work

Greetings, Abby

For the most of my working life, I have operated in the creative arts with success. My issue? My spouse is always taking advantage of any chance to disparage my work.

They quickly criticize me and claim that my unusual inspiration or creative spark, of which I am proud, is not a decent or legitimate notion. It’s heartbreaking! This has the potential to ruin our long and fulfilling marriage. I love my partner unconditionally, so it hurts.

I consistently show them respect and encouragement for their professional endeavors. — In California, there is no validation.

DEAR NO VALIDATION:

It is expected of spouses to help one another. Does your spouse have the same level of success in their professional and artistic pursuits? If the response is no, they can feel frightened or envious of your accomplishment. Additionally, they could not care how their comments make you feel.

Have you questioned why your partner is disparaging your work? Telling your partner that you would rather they kept their opinions to themselves going forward and stop turning to them for approval could be a solution if you have experienced this and the response was unsatisfactory.** ** **Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.** ** **Order How to Have a Lovely Wedding to learn everything you need to know about wedding preparation. Your name, postal address, and $8 (in US dollars) in check or money order should be sent to Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447 with your name. (The price includes shipping and handling.)

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