I’m other words, when has saying, “be better” ever persuaded anyone?

When the other person respects your opinion of them.

I’ve had a couple instances in my life where a friend has pulled me aside, explained how I’m being an asshole and told me to be better. Honestly, that has done more to unfuck the person I am than just about anything I can think of. Because I actually care what those close to me think, and don’t want to push them away with my character flaws. Same reason I go to therapy, my therapist just knows how to word it better.