Many of us have experienced situations where we have put our heart and soul into creating something new and innovative, only to receive feedback that falls short of our expectations. It can be disheartening when we eagerly seek validation from our friends, only to hear generic responses like “I like it. I like it.” This type of feedback can leave us feeling unappreciated and unsure about the true quality of our work. As creators, we often crave constructive criticism that can help us grow and improve our craft, rather than mere superficial praise.
Conversely, if you find yourself in the position of the appreciator, it can be challenging to provide feedback on something you may not fully understand or appreciate. For example, if you are unfamiliar with Klesmer music, you may feel ill-equipped to offer an informed opinion on its quality. In such cases, it is important to be honest with your friend while also acknowledging your limitations in evaluating their work. It is perfectly acceptable to admit when you lack the expertise to provide detailed feedback.
When giving feedback to a friend on their creative work, it is essential to strike a balance between honesty and encouragement. Instead of resorting to generic phrases like “I like it,” try to provide specific feedback that highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement in their work. By offering…
