I walked away you were too busy finding faults in me

Accept that you will not be able to please them, and get on with your life. Yes, it makes sense when you receive criticism to see if there's some truth in it, but if you are dealing with someone who consistently shows that they will not be satisfied with you, then that's their issue, not yours. If it's your boss, I'd suggest looking for a new job because you're probably going to wind up fired anyway, but if it's a nagging coworker or an acquaintance among your group of friends, simply nodding or dismissively saying, "Thank you for sharing your feedback" and then going on as if they said nothing will probably be easiest and most effective.

But getting involved in a confrontation with people like this is rarely helpful. Some thrive on conflict and try to create drama by picking on people, while others are simply locked into the idea that if they are unhappy, it's someone else's job to fix it. Neither of those perspectives will be resolved by you pointing them out, and instead you'll wind up in a position where they feel empowered to heap more criticism on you. Instead, remind yourself that it's not about you, and brush it off. If you find you can't move past the criticism, then you may want to follow others' advice to minimize or eliminate contact with these people as a means of self-preservation.

To such people, you will never be “good enough”, and nothing you do will ever be acknowledged, or right because only they are right or so and it does not matter what you do and you see it is not about you but it never will be it is about them, and their power, control and domination. If you are a child, with no choice, as you almost were with your step-father you might have to bide your time, and wait, and put up with it. I have a technique for that too and if you are an adult, you should get out of the relationship well before it destroys you which it very well can, and indeed is designed to do.

I try very hard to get away from them. If they are in a job, change job, if in the family, move away. Most people are not like this. It isn't too hard to find work and friends not like that. On the other hand, if you find this happens all the time, where ever you go, maybe there is something about the way you act, that is triggering this response from people. No one is perfect, but no one is a total loser, so if lots of people are treating you like a doormat, you might need help changing the way you allow people to treat you. Maybe consulting with a life coach might get some insight.

No one can define you or impose limits on you. They're just projecting their own fears and insecurities onto you most likely, probably because they've sensed for some reason that they can get a reaction out of you that makes them feel powerful. Ignore them if you can, kill them with kindness if you must. But avoid them as much as possible and just focus on doing your best.

 Like another poster said, there is no winning in this situation and arguing with someone like this just wastes your time and energy. We were not put here or made here, whatever your beliefs, to make everyone else happy. We have to make ourselves happy first. We cannot worry about what people say about us especially if we know it's not true. They do not contribute to our lives unless it's just to bring you down so it's not worth it. I wouldn't speak to them anymore and I would let them know the reason why I am not speaking with them anymore. It doesn't have to be an argument it can just be a factual statement. Wipe your hands and walk away.

I would tell them, depending on who they are. But also if they are trying to find fault with you, it might be just who they are. Some people think they know whats best for you and what you should do (especially family). I decided to cut the kitchen strings (is that the expression?) and go it alone. So I avoid these people. Not that I am looking for people who support me only, I just want to have space for my views to breathe and try it alone - but that's me. Find out what you want to do about this situation, good luck Cheers!