How do you deal with family criticism?

[Anonymous]

DC's top choice college was a "lessor" school in a particular group - think Cornell vs. Harvard or Connecticut College vs. Amherst, or Nebraska vs. Northwestern, something like that. They were accepted and are THRILLED beyond words, but more than one family member and friend has said some really nasty things to us about the acceptance. We're incredibly proud and trying to gracefully deflect the comments, but people are digging in their heels and saying the equivalent of, "Well, what about Harvard? It's not too late to apply, you know."

Could use some specific wording here. "This school is perfect for them, and we're very proud of their achievement" isn't shutting them down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who cares?

Move on if you're not interested in a thread.

[Anonymous]

"This topic isn't open for your input. If you don't have anything kind to say, I'm done with this conversation".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC's top choice college was a "lessor" school in a particular group - think Cornell vs. Harvard or Connecticut College vs. Amherst, or Nebraska vs. Northwestern, something like that. They were accepted and are THRILLED beyond words, but more than one family member and friend has said some really nasty things to us about the acceptance. We're incredibly proud and trying to gracefully deflect the comments, but people are digging in their heels and saying the equivalent of, "Well, what about Harvard? It's not too late to apply, you know."

Could use some specific wording here. "This school is perfect for them, and we're very proud of their achievement" isn't shutting them down.

Shrug. Say, "Good point. Talk to DC". Shrug again. Indifference is better than defensiveness, which is what you were going for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC's top choice college was a "lessor" school in a particular group - think Cornell vs. Harvard or Connecticut College vs. Amherst, or Nebraska vs. Northwestern, something like that. They were accepted and are THRILLED beyond words, but more than one family member and friend has said some really nasty things to us about the acceptance. We're incredibly proud and trying to gracefully deflect the comments, but people are digging in their heels and saying the equivalent of, "Well, what about Harvard? It's not too late to apply, you know."

Could use some specific wording here. "This school is perfect for them, and we're very proud of their achievement" isn't shutting them down.

Shrug. Say, "Good point. Talk to DC". Shrug again. Indifference is better than defensiveness, which is what you were going for.

I don't want them taking their crap to DC. But you're right, indifference is better. It's just we're so happy for them.

[Anonymous]

Posts like these are why I have no friends. Who needs friends making these types of horrible comments?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Posts like these are why I have no friends. Who needs friends making these types of horrible comments?

Many of them are family. And I think the friends in particular are speaking out of ignorance, so I'm trying to give them some grace.

[Anonymous]

"Our child is thrilled so we are thrilled. End of discussion."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Posts like these are why I have no friends. Who needs friends making these types of horrible comments?

Many of them are family. And I think the friends in particular are speaking out of ignorance, so I'm trying to give them some grace.

Ignorance is not an excuse for rudeness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Posts like these are why I have no friends. Who needs friends making these types of horrible comments?

Many of them are family. And I think the friends in particular are speaking out of ignorance, so I'm trying to give them some grace.

Ignorance is not an excuse for rudeness.

x1000000. Preach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Our child is thrilled so we are thrilled. End of discussion."

+1 or, if you want to share your enthusiasm for the particular things that made your kid pick that school. DD goes to a LAC lots haven't heard of but they have a really unique program she loves for her major which I am happy to tell people about if I get a "why?" question (even if the why is not meant sincerely!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Our child is thrilled so we are thrilled. End of discussion."

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Posts like these are why I have no friends. Who needs friends making these types of horrible comments?

Many of them are family. And I think the friends in particular are speaking out of ignorance, so I'm trying to give them some grace.

Ignorance is not an excuse for rudeness.

You're right, I'm sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Our child is thrilled so we are thrilled. End of discussion."

+1 or, if you want to share your enthusiasm for the particular things that made your kid pick that school. DD goes to a LAC lots haven't heard of but they have a really unique program she loves for her major which I am happy to tell people about if I get a "why?" question (even if the why is not meant sincerely!)

Sounds like a waste of time to enlighten the willfully ignorant. A fool's errand, as my grandmother would have said.

[Anonymous]

“Thanks for the input” or “Your opinion is duly noted” works if you want to neutralize and move on.