OFTEN HEARD SAYING: "When I was in your situation, I knew exactly what I had to do."

THE OFFENSE: Gives you unsolicited advice about everything from raising your kids to raising your hemline.

YOUR COURSE OF ACTION: "The criticizer relies on his ability to bait you," says etiquette consultant Sue Fox. Don't take the bait: Thank him, point out facts he may have overlooked, and move on. If he keeps offering barbed comments disguised as advice, author Caroline Tiger suggests cutting him off with a breezy "Don't worry about me — I'm fine!"