Are you asking for my opinion?

Something a wise woman told me once. When talking with people we automatically assume they want our opinion when they express a problem they are working through
and seem to us to need help. This wise woman told me, "instead of giving your opinion, ask the person". Another words, say to the person "are you asking for my opinion", that gives you an opening to express yourself, to open the door to giving your opinion. Many time when people are telling a story about what is going in their lives they really don't want our opinion, they just want to tell their story. And often they get resentful if you start giving your opinion when it is not asked for.

I have been experimenting with this and it really helps open up communication with
people. Give it a try. It can't hurt! Have a great weekend.