<body><div>Growing up with a mother who constantly criticizes can leave scars that run deep.It’s not just something you remember—it shapes how you see yourself, how you act, even how you handle life as an adult.This isn’t about pointing fingers or blaming our moms, but about recognizing how our childhood experiences can quietly influence us in ways we might not even notice.If you had a critical upbringing, you’ll probably relate to a lot of this.Let’s dive into the 7 behaviors that tend to show up in women raised by overly critical mothers, and maybe you’ll see a bit of yourself here too.<h2>1) Perfectionism</h2>One of the most common behaviors in women raised by overly critical mothers is the pursuit of perfection.Growing up with relentless criticism can often lead to a deep-rooted desire to be flawless.The idea is to avoid criticism by not giving any room for it.Perfectionism isn’t just about doing everything perfectly, it’s also about appearing perfect.This can extend to one’s career, appearance, relationships, and even their social media presence.But it’s not about striving for excellence or self-improvement.It’s driven by the fear of not being good enough and the dread of criticism.If you’ve grown up with a critical mother, you might find yourself trapped in this relentless pursuit of perfection.And understanding this link is the first step towards breaking free from it.<h2>2) Self-criticism</h2>Another behavior that often shows up in women who were raised by overly critical mothers is a harsh self-critical voice.I can personally attest to this.Growing up, my mother was my biggest critic.No achievement was ever good enough, and every mistake was amplified.Over time, I realized that I had internalized her critical voice.It became my own, and I would berate myself for the smallest of errors.I found myself expecting perfection in everything I did, just as my mother had expected of me.This self-criticism wasn’t constructive or helpful. Instead, it was debilitating and damaging to my self-esteem.It took me years of conscious effort to realize that I was more than my mistakes and that it’s okay not to be perfect all the time.If you’ve also had an overly critical mother, you might find yourself being overly critical of your own actions too.<h2>3) Difficulty with criticism</h2>Growing up under a cloud of constant criticism can make any form of critique feel like a personal attack in adulthood.Women who were raised by overly critical mothers often feel a sting when faced with criticism, regardless of how constructive it may be.This can lead to defensiveness or a retreat into oneself, making it difficult to receive feedback in work and personal relationships.Research shows that individuals raised in highly critical environments are more prone to internalize criticism, which can trigger anxiety and hypersensitivity to feedback in adulthood, resulting in defensive behavior and difficulties in personal and professional interactions.It’s important to remember that this isn’t a personal failing.It’s a learned behavior from a childhood spent under scrutiny.<h2>4) Struggle with mindfulness</h2>Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, can be a real challenge for women who were raised by overly critical mothers.As children, they learned to constantly anticipate and avoid potential criticism.This habit often continues into adulthood, leading to a restless mind that struggles to stay in the present moment.In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into how our childhood experiences can impact our ability to be mindful.But more importantly, I share practical strategies to overcome these challenges.Learning to be mindful can help quieten the critical voice in your head and allow you to live more fully in the present, free from the anxieties of past criticism and future mistakes.If you’ve been struggling with this, it might be worth exploring mindfulness as a tool for healing.<h2>5) Fear of rejection</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OEHYs_0wCZcq5m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OEHYs_0wCZcq5m00" width="1600" height="840" ></figure>The fear of rejection can be a pervasive issue.It’s like a shadow that follows you, subtly influencing your decisions and reactions.Rejection from a mother’s constant criticism can feel like the ultimate betrayal, shaking the very foundation of trust and love.This can lead to an intense fear of rejection in other areas of life, whether it’s relationships, career, or social interactions.There were times when I found myself avoiding situations where I might face rejection.I would shy away from applying for promotions, hesitate to voice my opinions, and even avoid social events where I could potentially feel left out.Research shows that rejection sensitivity, particularly when developed from early experiences of parental criticism, can lead to avoidance behaviors and social anxiety in adulthood, creating barriers to personal and professional growth.<h2>6) Overcompensating empathy</h2>You might think that a childhood filled with criticism would make someone less empathetic.But surprisingly, the opposite is often true.Women raised by overly critical mothers can develop an overcompensating sense of empathy.They become highly attuned to others’ feelings and reactions, often in an attempt to avoid criticism or conflict.This heightened empathy can seem like a positive trait, but it comes with its own set of challenges.It can lead to people-pleasing behaviors, difficulty setting boundaries, and emotional exhaustion from constantly absorbing others’ emotions.It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly positive behaviors can stem from challenging experiences and require careful management.<h2>7) High resilience</h2>Resilience is often forged in the crucible of adversity.Women who were raised by overly critical mothers usually have to endure and adapt to a challenging environment from an early age.This can result in a high degree of resilience in adulthood.They’re often the ones who can keep going when things get tough, bouncing back from setbacks and not easily deterred by obstacles.Research shows that childhood adversity, such as emotional neglect or criticism, can build psychological resilience, enabling individuals to recover more quickly from stress and adapt better in the face of future challenges.While this resilience is indeed a powerful quality, it’s important to remember that it was born out of necessity, not choice.<h2>It’s about understanding, not blame</h2>Understanding these behaviors isn’t about casting blame or dwelling in the past.It’s about gaining insight into who we are today and how our experiences have shaped us.If you recognize these behaviors in yourself, know that you’re not alone.Many women share similar experiences. And more importantly, recognizing these patterns is the first step towards breaking them.In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I talk extensively about the power of self-awareness and mindfulness in overcoming past hurts and creating a healthier, happier future.Remember, it’s never too late to heal and grow.Our past may have shaped us, but it doesn’t define us.We have the strength and the capacity to change, to break free from old patterns, and to create a life that truly reflects who we are.So take a moment.Reflect on these behaviors, understand their roots, and let this understanding guide you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Women who were raised by overly critical mothers often display these 7 behaviors later in life

Growing up with a mother who constantly criticizes can leave scars that run deep. It’s not just something you remember—it shapes how you see yourself, how you act, even how you handle life as an adult. This isn’t about pointing fingers or blaming our moms, but about recognizing...