People might ask you, "What would you do if you were in my situation?"

If you have an answer, fine. But be careful not to accept the premise of the question. The premise of the question is that you would, conceivably, BE in their situation--or that you think the choice to be in that situation (if there was one) is irrelevant.

Sometimes it's helpful to reply: "I don't mean to be unkind--but I wouldn't be in your situation. I can tell you why. Do you want to hear why? Because if there's no solution to your current situation, it might still be hopeful to realize you never need to be in it again."