Criticism should always be specific.  (And should suggest a way to re-mediate the issue)<p>No: "You look fat", "You suck at maths", "RTFM"<p>Yes: "That dress is wrong for your body.  It makes you look fat.  Try this one", "You need to work on your fractions more - here; I'll help", "Rather than asking it here, this manual over here (link) answers your questions.  Try chapter 5"<p>// I forgot to add a reason.  Truth is important.  I'm much harsher on those that I love than strangers - the reason is that hearing any truth gives you an opportunity to grow.  I never lie to my wife / close friends because I care about them, and not just about their feelings.  I'd rather hurt their feelings in the short term, than damage them in the long term.