Some people are encouraged by appreciation, while some by criticism. As far as I am concerned, I believe in both. I criticise and appreciate people equally. I appreciate them if they are doing well and vice-versa. I am usually known for criticism rather than appreciation.

— Aneesha Bhattarai

There might be some egoistic people who do not praise people even for their noteworthy work. However, I prefer to make a genuine judgement on the basis of the work of a person. If their work is unerring and worthy of praise, I would definitely appreciate them by heart because appreciation provides motivation to work even harder. Moreover, if the work has some flaws, then instead of criticising and ridiculing them, I will let them know about their mistakes and give them appropriate advice and suggestions so that they can perform better in the future.

— Krisha Amatya

Everybody likes to be praised, but criticism is difficult to digest. However, a person who cannot take criticism also cannot correct his/her faults and drawbacks. It is often through criticism that people learn about their drawbacks and get an opportunity to correct them. If I were given a chance to criticise, I would start from his/her positive aspects. No one is entirely evil or completely good.

— Manish Niroula

Criticism and appreciation are the two sides of the same coin and are directly associated with one’s life. On one hand, criticism builds character, and on the other appreciation provides positive energy in one’s life. Although it is a natural trait in human beings to nitpick rather than appreciate others’ achievement, I think both criticism and appreciation hold equal gravity. It is because both are related with motivation, which increases productivity, which is ultimately concerned with success. I always prefer to criticise the bad work, and appreciate the good work.

— Pranav Dhakal, Battisputali

Criticism and appreciation should go toe-to-toe. It is a well known fact that criticism motivates a person to be more creative and determined to achieve the unaccomplished. Due to the fierce competition raging between people today, it is obvious that some envy what others achieve and thus, it is natural that they always look for ways to pick on people, by highlighting the bad aspects rather than praising and encouraging them to do something even better. However, too much of appreciation can lead to ignorance with a blend of over-confidence and selfishness. As far as I am concerned, I’d make the person feel better through appreciation but then point out his/her weaknesses and suggest him/her to improve.

— Nisha Puri

When any person does a big job, criticism arises. This happens all the time because we are very suspicious about what others have done. We don’t think that their job is flawless, but think that the person must have made some mistake and that I have to find it. This has been going on since the origin of the mankind, and I think this is important because it helps us to find the mistakes in society. As every person thinks in different ways, they can evaluate a job and give their views to modify it. Without it, the work done may have many mistakes and may cause serious problems. But everything has its limits. If this a criticism is made without a strong base, then it does no good.

— Amish Ratna Sthapit

We cannot escape from the truth that we all suffer from a common disease called jealousy. Criticising others to prove oneself superior to the other is the main symptom of this disease. I believe that both criticism and appreciation is necessary to build a better family. If I were given a choice, I would appreciate and encourage others to keep up the good work if the work is good, and criticise and tell others to do a better job next time if the work is bad.

— Nisha Maharjan

There is nothing that is perfect in this world. Nothing is flawless. But for us even a small imperfection seems to overshadow all the positive aspects of someone’s work, and we are fast at nitpicking rather than focussing our attention on the positive aspects of the work done and appreciating them. If given a choice, I would rather choose to appreciate someone’s work down to the smallest details and boost his/her confidence not completely overlooking the faults, but pointing them out with a wholesome attitude which will definitely result into a much better and improved performance.

— Sonu Shrestha

Criticism and appreciation are both important aspects in our life. I would say keep up the good work rather than criticising someone’s work. Appreciation will encourage one to make that extra effort.

— Deepika Sakha, Bhaktapur

Appreciating and criticising others are both techniques of motivating others. It is difficult for most of us to appreciate others, but we should not forget it that appreciation is the real weapon to encourage others for the best outcome.

— Ashok Gurung

Constructive criticism always consolidates people’s commitment in doing better. The right amount of appreciation at the right time reinforces the zeal of aspirants. Basically, nitpicking is the job of those who envy others’ progress and prosperity.

— Hem B Chaulagain, Jorpati

Criticism seems to be the easiest way, and sometimes even the safest path, to put the blame on others. We get a certain feeling of having the upper hand. Life has become so tough that we don’t have enough time for appreciation. That’s where the negativity arises, and we keep finding others’ faults. It is true that criticism builds one’s character, but too much of it can also break one’s character. I would rather encourage someone to keep up the good work because persuasion is better than force. So appreciating their good effort in a caring way is a better option to bring harmony and development in society.

— Mr Brownstone

Criticism might sound bitter for a moment, but if the person is really very bad, and if we are willing to help him, then it is not always disheartening to criticise somebody’s work. For example, if my teacher pulls me up for my bad handwriting or my terrible essay, then I shouldn’t feel bad because later on if I improve on my weaknesses then the teacher will be the one appreciating my hard work and improvement. So, rather than giving someone a fake compliment, it is always better to remind the person about his/her imperfections and support them to overcome it.

— Sumnima Khatri