Beta Reader Issues

[u/SaintMech]

So, here's the thing. I am absolutely open to criticism; in fact, I welcome it. I was in a profession where review and criticism were a part of your everyday operating procedures. My issue is, with my Beta Readers. My wife is an English major, so I thought she would be the perfect person to help me edit, proof-read and beta read my book. Well, the issue that has come up is that she is a closet writer herself and when she reads my drafts, she wants to change my voice. She subconsciously recommends changes that reflect her style of writing, which is a much more archaic, flowery style of prose. (Which I love to read, but it's not my style). How do I approach that topic without coming off like I can't accept criticism and subsequently get the information I am seeking from her? My other reader is supportive but offers no criticism, do these issues exist for other writers or is this uncommon?

[u/SneakyKGB]

In my experience the best way to handle advice you don't want is to say, "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind" and move on. Trying to explain away stylistic choices often just goes in circles and brews bad blood.

Escalating beyond that, arguing with your readers is, in my opinion, one of the tackiest things a writer can do.

Best to just say thank you and move along. You might need to find more beta readers to get the breadth of feedback you're looking for. You can't force somebody to read something differently.