Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/1v7wscj/lpt_unsolicited_advice_comes_across_as_criticism/

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The original was posted on /r/lifeprotips by /u/A1Qicks on 2026-07-27 10:44:29+00:00.

This is slightly a two part one.

Unsolicited advice is criticism. This is a common issue where someone goes to vent, and the other person tries to solve their problem for them. But in many cases they may already know the answer and just want to vent.

If they don't ask for your advice, and you start giving it to them, it doesn't come across as helpful - it comes across as "you don't know how to solve your problem, but I do", and that's akin to criticism. It will make them like you less in the majority of cases.

Even worse if they haven't voiced a problem and you interject your thoughts - things like "you should change your style" or "if I were you I would do this with your money". That's you saying you don't like something about them, and comes across that way. It won't make them like you or appreciate your advice. If you feel you need to give it to them, ask first "I have some thoughts on how you approach X - are you open to feedback?" Because it at least gives them the chance to say no.

However, this tip doesn't fully apply if there's a power disparity. This is commonly the case at work if you're training people who don't know there can be more to know. It's also true of parents giving advice to children still in their care. It's likely a common cause of teenage complaints however as they shift to having some understanding and feeling the advice they needed when they were younger is now critical of their behaviour instead of guiding.

Even if these situations though it's useful to bear in mind that if you're giving advice on something someone believes is good, it will come across that you are criticising it.