I'm asking this question to create a healthy discussion; and because I recently experienced this myself. The way that I decided to handle it was to listen to their comments very closely, and separate out what I heard into: 1) elements of truth 2) projections based on their fears and unresolved personal issues.

Then I owned what I could for personal further review and consideration; and gave them back what didn't belong to me, i.e. their projections. Only then could I feel some peace and less pain. So what do you do when you feel criticized?