Spending more time than usual on social media lately, I’m reminded of something I’ve always disliked and wished I could change: people subtly bringing others down to lift themselves up. It’s not always direct but often done through subtle words, images, and references that only some can see or feel. What’s worse, this behavior usually comes from adults—so childish, so immature. Observing this prompted me to write this reflection. It’s shorter than usual, but I wanted to focus on depth, offering a message for both you, the target, and you, the critic.

For you, the targeted:

In life—not only on social platforms but anywhere—there will always be people who try to bring you down. Sometimes, it feels like their criticism, negativity, and doubts follow you like a shadow. They may be people you barely know (most often) or those you’ve once trusted (the most painful). But through my own journey of reflection and detachment, I’ve learned a truth that’s changed much for me: when someone tries to devalue or diminish you, it’s rarely about you; it’s a reflection of their own struggles, insecurities, and unfulfilled desires.

Imagine achieving something you’re proud of—whether it’s reaching a career milestone, creating something meaningful, or simply finding inner peace. For example, my work has been selected for two exhibitions in New York this November. People congratulated me. People were happy for me. And yet, despite the glow of accomplishment, a familiar voice came to me. It was the voice of doubt. But not my own. It came from those saying things like, “AI is not art”, “You don’t deserve this,” and other attempts to diminish my work and my worth. I’m sure at some point you’ve faced similar moments. Have you ever asked yourself why? What’s so unsettling about your progress that they feel compelled to tear it down?

To me, the answer often lies in envy and frustration. When people see someone doing well, it highlights what they feel is missing in their own lives. Instead of facing this feeling and working toward their own goals, some take what they perceive as the easier route: trying to drag you down to their level. They may criticize, gossip, or subtly undermine you. But these tactics don’t build them up; they only reveal what’s unresolved within them.

So, here’s my message to you, the “targeted”:

Don’t let them sway you. Resist the urge to argue, defend yourself, or prove your worth. These reactions only give them what they want, empowering them and pulling you into their trap. Instead, detach, ignore. Focus on your path, keep your eyes forward, and remember that your success is yours and not something you need to justify.

In the short term, this may be hard, but in the long run, you’ll continue to blossom, becoming closer to your dreams, while those who try to drag you down remain stagnant, tethered by their own resentment. And while they waste time tearing others down, they’re losing precious opportunities for their own growth. Fuck them.

For you, the critic:

We’ve all likely been this person at some point—we’ve all had moments when envy or insecurity took the driver’s seat. But what matters is what we learn from it. Many of us evolved into better, kinder, and more empathetic souls.

Living in this critical, devaluing way is like building a house on sand. Each time you attempt to lower someone’s worth, you lower your own. It’s an endless cycle: the more you criticize others, the harder it becomes to build a positive foundation for yourself.

It’s a losing game. You can’t win. You’ll never win. Every second spent bringing someone down is a second taken from improving yourself, healing, and finding your own purpose. True strength doesn’t come from devaluing others; it comes from facing your own insecurities, acknowledging them, and choosing to rise above them. There’s no quick fix here. It demands courage and the willingness to break the cage of ego and be vulnerable with yourself. But the reward is worth it.

This is a journey of self-growth, one that can feel lonely, especially when those around you are still anchored in negativity (as they say, what you “are”, you attract). This fight for change may feel like swimming against a current, surrounded by people who prefer to stay stagnant. But over time, each step forward, each success, is fuel. It’s proof you’re capable of reaching your goals without letting others define your journey. And as you grow, you’ll naturally distance yourself from those who thrive on tearing others down.

This is the beauty of growth. Contrary to what many believe, growth is often a process not of addition, but of removal. When you let go of the noise, you open yourself up to people who support you, who celebrate your wins, and who genuinely want the best for you. These people remind you that life isn’t a competition to be the loudest or most critical; it’s about lifting each other up, recognizing our unique strengths, and realizing that we all have different paths to walk.

Life is too short to be spent in the shadows of resentment, anger, or envy. Choose to live in a way that reflects the best version of yourself. To those trying to bring others down, know that there’s a better way—a path that leads to fulfillment, not through hurting others but through healing yourself. And to those who feel the weight of others’ negativity, keep going. The noise will fade, but your strength, resilience, and integrity will remain. In the end, that’s what defines true success, whatever it means for you.

Fuck them. ( With love, kindness, and empathy! )

Thank you for reading!

Have a blessed day!🌹

Eduard🌹