Ask “want some feedback?” before you give it. Permission opens ears.

Unrequested criticism arrives as an attack even when it is accurate, because the other person was not braced for it and now has to defend themselves in front of whoever is listening. Asking first turns the same words into something they chose. They also get to say not now, which costs you nothing and keeps the door open. Consent is what makes advice usable.

Try the question before your next useful observation, whether it is a friend’s essay or a teammate’s technique. If they say yes, keep it to one thing. If they say no, let it go, and notice how often they come back later.