So, I completely die when people criticise me. - Help.com

I see that you want to assert yourself to your father, and you would like to live the life that you want.

What would you like to have in your life? How would you like to live?
What would you like to say to your father?

(I actually have to run off now, so I won’t be able to reply until much later, but I’m sure others on here would be happy to help you.)

Move to another state and live on your own.

Have a look out for some Assertiveness Training. You may find a workshop at your local community education centre, or even your health clinic.

Assertiveness Training will help you to become more confident in your dealings with people and to recognise what is VALID (positive) criticism and what is INVALID (negative).

You could have a look at some sessions on Youtube and some online articles too.

Here’s one to start you off:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy0sJG…

Maybe you don’t have the best relationship with your dad or your brother. I think maybe your dad and brother are some what alike.

Most important thing, don’t beat yourself up. There are many people in the world that go about things in a different way, look a different way, feel and love in different ways. Just because you do things your own way doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Do, feel, and be the way you feel most good about yourself. Everyone else can go suck an egg.

(Be aware that many of the sessions are produced by marketing consultants for those in business.. but fish around and find some examples of how to be more assertive in your personal life)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KscAzC… this one is specifically about feeling criticised.

I think almost everyone is affected by the criticisms they receive. The difference is in their response. Me personally? I try to view criticism as an opportunity to learn. If someone is right hopefully I can learn from them and if someone is wrong, hopefully I’ve strengthened myself by defending myself. By defending myself, I don’t necessarily mean arguing. Sometimes it just means going over what you think, have said, or have done to make sure you did the right thing.

I agree with the above posts; there are many options that you can try.
Another way to look at it is that everyone has a right to have their own feelings, and everyone deserves to have their feelings respected.

Here is an example of an assertive statement for relationships:

“I feel (emotion) when you (action) on (date).”
ex. “I felt demeaned when you called me a rubber chicken in front of my friends last Wednesday.”

What strategy can you think of that you would like to try? You know what is right for you.