DEAR ABBY: My friends often come to me for advice. It could be anything -- relationship, family, self-harm or bullying. It's usually something I don't know how to deal with and don't have experience with. I try to say words of encouragement like, "It'll be OK. Ignore it. Think on the bright side. Don't be so hard on yourself."
I know these are things they have heard before and will ignore, but I don't know what else to say or do. These people are more outgoing than I am, so I guess it makes them targets. Abby, what can I do? -- D. IN KANSAS
DEAR D.: It's all right to be encouraging, but when someone asks for advice you know you're not qualified to give, you should be upfront, admit it, and suggest the person talk to an adult. This is particularly important when the problem concerns things like self-harm or bullying, which may need an intervention.