Yes, I’ve read Al-Anon’s Checklist for Maturity, and the part about: “A mature adult …does not automatically resent criticism, realizing it may contain a suggestion for self-improvement.”

I didn’t automatically resent your criticism and, I did spend some time thinking about the “feedback” you gave me. I appreciate you saying it was “for my benefit.” The funny part is, your criticism got me to look at myself and I also noticed a few things about you, too!

I heard what you said about my communication style and how it could be improved, however, I’ve noticed the way you speak to your assistant could be a little nicer. I know, it’s a separate issue, but you aren’t exactly the best dresser I’ve ever met, either. I also noticed you playing “solitaire” on the computer while I was trying to talk to you about the pool needing cleaning.

I hope you don’t take my comment about your clothes in the wrong way. You’re not atrocious looking. Not at all. It’s just that, for example, the suit you had on yesterday added some weight to your frame; a frame that doesn’t need any adding to. And I mean that in the most positive way possible! You’re not big. You’re what they call healthy. Sturdy. Remember that line of kid’s clothing called “Huskies?” Clothing designers would never get away with that today.

Sorry. I digress. I have a tendency to do that when I’ve been subject to totally unconstructive criticism. Can we talk more about this later? I’ve got an Al-Anon meeting to get to.