Thoughts on peer editing

When it comes to peer editing papers, I have a bit of experience. Almost every English class that I have ever been has made me go through this process when writing essays. I enjoy reviewing and editing my peer’s papers but I do not like them peer editing mine. I appreciate the feedback and critiques but only when they are kind about it. I do not like the idea of people judging my work and I fear that they will think I am dumb or something of that sort. At the end of peer editing, my paper sometimes has a decent amount of comments but sometimes my peers are pretty vague about any issues with my paper. I am thankful when my peers leave me suggestions instead of just saying “I’d change this” or “good job, nothing is wrong with the paper.” It is pretty helpful when my friends review my essays just because they know me and aren’t afraid to tell me their real opinions about the content of my paper. Sometimes when I have strangers/peers edit my paper they are scared to leave an honest opinion because they don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I sometimes get very worried about hurting someone’s feelings when I edit their essay but I always make sure that I am kind. Usually when I hand over my paper for peer review I will tell the editor to not hold back any comments because I truly do like the help. The only part about peer editing that makes me uncomfortable is knowing that someone is silently judging my work.