The headline sparked my interest.
“Personality traits of adults
who grew up with a critical parent.”
It gave examples of researched results.

If your parent disapproved of you,
and said so as a fact.
Found fault with most things that you did
and showcased what you lacked.

Your reactions would be defensive.
Perfection would be your obsession ...
... though, not to take pride in your triumphs,
but to ward off judgmental aggression.

You’re unable to bounce back from errors,
finding yours a humiliation.
You apologize to everyone,
even those who lack qualification.

You don’t believe compliments offered.
Accomplishments feel like you’re cheating.
You question if those you know like you
or are being polite at a meeting.

Negative self-talk accepts full blame
for any social transgression.
You challenge your own input-value
thereby making you prone to depression.

You’re your own harsh inner critic
to justify judging another.
You grew up unable to trust yourself,
as your mind hears the voice of your mother.

So, think of the times you were criticized.
Name her hurtful words and actions
that shaped your personality
and caused you to have wrong reactions.

Know that you can change your bad traits,
and be cleansed of your daft mind-pollution.
Just retrain your brain to focus on good
with self-kindness your new resolution.