"My, you've changed!"

Still life paintings from 2010, 2016, 2017

I hear this a lot.  It's not the comment itself that I struggle with as much as the pregnant pause and the self-judgement that follow. I think to myself...for better, or for worse? It's similar to other personal, open-ended questions like: Did you get a haircut? or Have you lost weight? It's hard not to explain yourself or to get caught up in a negative thought pattern. Question is: how do I respond to commentary about my work (good, bad, or indifferent)? I used to offer an explanation of why my work has shifted so much. Almost in my defense. After repeatedly hearing myself banter on about it, I realized I don't have to respond. I can choose to take in comments and remain neutral. With the understanding that it's all as it is. So, saying nothing wins. My, I have changed!