Learning to take criticism without arguing back is courage. Your ego wants to fight; let it lose.

When somebody tells you what is wrong with your work, your body reads it as a threat and hands you an argument, instantly and free of charge. Taking the criticism means letting that argument go unused while the other person keeps talking. That is harder than any debate, because you have to lose on purpose to somebody who is not even your opponent. The information only arrives if you stop defending long enough to hear it.

Next time, say thanks and ask one question instead of explaining. Write the note down, then wait a day before deciding whether you agree with it.