Now, I do make exceptions for one's partner. I've joked that the only person in the world whose words of criticism HURT is my husband. Fortunately, he's kind and rarely criticizes. But it's funny, isn't it? He's my safe haven. On the one hand, he's the only one with a real RIGHT to criticize (shhhh! don't tell him!) but also the only one who could make me crumble with an unkind word. Actually, he does know this, and never abuses that power. :) In fact, we've even laughed that I am a much better - more confident - driver when he's not in the passenger seat. I mean, it IS to laugh. He knows I'm a good driver (and wishes I'd take the wheel more often) but he also knows I'm just BETTER at it when he's not there to watch and - possibly - to criticize (he doesn't, I just think he might be, in his head, if that makes sense). He doesn't ever ASK to see my writing; if asked for edits, he'll give them. If not, he says only positive things. And that's not because I ever asked it of him - he's just that good at reading ME.