Dealing with overly critical code reviews is infact challenging. I find it helpful to remember that this is something that will help me in the long run. This helps me to not take it personally and then I try to focus on the feedback itself. For points that I agree on, I make it a point to remember them. For the rest, I try to have a conversation to gain more clarity. This conversation really helps to remove ambiguity and so both the reviewer and myself can agree on the best possible solution.

My code reviews set the bar high from the start to emphasize quality. In the first pass, I'm merciless, highlighting every deficiency to establish a baseline. This can feel intense initially, but it sends a clear message: excellence is the expectation, and everyone’s work adds up to that standard. This rigor often inspires developers to improve with each PR, striving to meet the bar with less direct feedback. Over time, I find the team takes more pride in producing solid code, and my role becomes one of reinforcement rather than intense critique. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

To handle overly critical code reviews from a senior developer, try the following: 1. Stay objective: Politely on the content of the feedback, not the tone. Look for points that can improve the code 2. Ask for clarification: Politely request more context if a comment isn't clear. This encourages constructive dialog 3. Acknowledge good points: Recognize valid feedback to show appreciation for their insights. 4. Have a private conversation: If their tone feels discouraging, respectfully discuss one-to-one and ask for collaborative feedback 5. Seek a second opinion: If needed, ask a tech lead or manager for a second review to ensure feedback aligns with team standards