Recently I came across some remarks that were very critical of me. They appeared in a public forum, and other people soon chimed in, offering their own thoughts (based on only partial information). What made the remarks really sting was that they originated with a person who is not actually a friend, but – because of her work, because we know the same people and she lives in an area I often visit – I expected to meet her eventually, and I thought we’d like each other.
Of course, I encounter criticism from time to time. Somebody takes issue with something I’ve written, or doesn’t like a book or article. Someone who is acquainted with me in my personal life disagrees with something I’ve done. But I am generally impervious to that type of criticism. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and what someone else thinks is his or her business, not mine.