i see that the forum is a place to toughen up gradually. you can have someone tell you everything from one end of the spectrum (IQ of 40 to whatever it goes to - what does it go to?). i have found personally, that in whatever i do, if i don't lose it to a comment or two (am very sensitive) i can determine after a while if the comment is really true or not. BUT, never ask your spouse to determine the validity of a criticism. more often than not, the person closest to you will tell you the absolute truth (it is true, you are playing the piano like a wind up toy). then, you just #1 get angry, #2 face the facts #3 start thinking about creative ways to think - not just a yellow pencil rendition of whatever #4 listen more to other recordings (i have avoided this, thinking that i don't want to play like whoever is on the recording). #5 be more 'agressive' if that is the word. not louder, but follow through dynamics like a golf swing (i don't play golf - but i see the swing idea) or bowling roll ( i am an expert bowler on some days). #6 laugh in the face of 'death' - which may be an easier piece than the 18-21 year olds are playing. #7 think young - even when you are caught spacing out.