stop saying utilize!
Most of the time, “use” is the correct term for what you’re attempting to communicate. When you say “utilize” when “use” is appropriate, you sound like a dumb person trying to sound like they’re smart. I’m typically a descriptivist when it comes to language, and I will defend your poor grammar til the ends of the earth as I defend my ridiculous misuse of half-remembered idioms. But “utilize” sounds like nails on chalkboard to me right now, I’m sorry. I’m trying to change, I really am, but I have a feeling I’m in good company with this one.