I often notice people getting offended if you try to teach them anything directly though, in a social environment (even if you're known to be one to be open to being taught)
Consider why you are trying to teach. Is it to jockey for position/gain the upper hand?
If you truly want to make a better impression, have people teach you. The classic female 'Can you help me with my homework'. Really, no one likes a know-it-all. And if you win an intellectual argument, are you really winning? Show some interest in learning, genuine interest, from other people's experiences or knowledge.
Teaching is one of the harder disciplines because it is not about the teacher teaching but about the teacher learning how to teach from their students.
Good points. I really like the analogy with the female common by-phrase you brought up, which surprisingly I hadn't thought of. Of course, this helps you in some ways, but still doesn't address how to teach properly when the opportunity arises.
> And if you win an intellectual argument, are you really winning?
I've come to believe that unless you're in a debate team somewhere or are a teacher/prof at a school, the answer to that question is almost always 'No'.
You really have to wait for them to come to you with a problem, or at the very least, give them an optional lead in (e.g. "I was having trouble with #{subject x} last night as well, but I think I've got it now. You want me to see if I can't figure out what's got you stuck?"). That way you aren't forcing your way in, or coming off as "I'm smarter than you, just come over here and I'll explain it idiot", which I've seen happen plenty of times (and have done it myself a few times, I'm sure).
On the other hand, once people do start coming to you, you'll find you understand the topic better at the end yourself, and they'll greatly appreciate the help. If done right, they probably won't hesitate to come back for help again, which ends up in another win-win situation for you. Just don't swing to the other side and end up doing their work for them!
I often notice people getting offended if you try to teach them anything directly though, in a social environment (even if you're known to be one to be open to being taught)