Do you give good advice? (Quiz).

You probably always turn to your buds for advice, right? But what happens when they seek solutions from you? Are you the go-to guru, or could your friends get better insight from a fortune cookie? Find out...

1 You dash into the bathroom and find a friend leaning against the paper towel dispenser, crying. She just failed a math quiz because her parents argued so loudly last night that she couldn't study. You suggest she...

A) Clamp on some earphones and crank up the tunes next time. Works for you!

B) Not even worry about it--there will be plenty more quizzes before finals.

C) Talk privately with her math teacher. Teach might be willing to give her a retest or some extra credit work based on her circumstances.

D) Think about the big picture. She'll have to ace the rest of the semester but, more important, it sounds like her parents are getting a divorce or something.

2 Your friend Meghan has a mad crush on Billy, who's president of the drama club, so she signed up to audition for The Sound of Music. You know the only singing she's ever done is in the shower, and auditions are tomorrow. She asks you, "Should I go through with it?" You say, A) "Break a leg. Just don't tell anyone in the drama club you know me."

B) "To audition or not to audition, that is the question." C) "It's great you want to be in the musical but, if you haven't been practicing, it might be a better idea to go out for set design." D) "Ohmigod! Are you serious? You can't even sing 'Old MacDonald' without your voice cracking 26 times. Dude, if you try out, Billy might never talk to you."

3 Your friend Kari is getting thinner and thinner. What do you say to her?

A) "Do you have the intestinal flu? Because one time I got it and lost, like, a million pounds in one weekend." B) Say? If it's a big deal, someone else will say something to her. C) "Hey, I'm only saying this because I care about you. I'm worried that you've lost weight. You know, in case you want to talk about it." D) "Hello, Calista Flockhart! Ever hear of food? Here, let me introduce you to my friend Mr. Cheeseburger."

4 Your friend Carmen calls you in a panic. She has a date with him, and she just broke the zipper on her dress. Even worse, he's going to be at her house in 10 minutes. What do you say? A) "The same thing happened to me once. I was supposed to meet this cute guy from camp, and I got lip gloss on my white top and was freaking out. My older sister let me borrow a tee and denim mini, so it was, like, fine." B) "Bummer. What are you gonna do?" C) "Why don't you wear that adorable blue dress instead? After all, he didn't ask the dress on a date, he asked you!" D) "I told you that dress was cheap--that's why it was so discounted."

5 You and your BFF Ingrid spent all weekend watching scary movies. It's Sunday night, and Ingrid's home alone. She's totally spooked and has called you five times in the last half-hour. You need to get some Z's. When she calls a sixth time--and she will--you're gonna...

A) Tell her you're not the Ghostbusters hotline and you need your beauty rest! B) Let the answering machine pick up--you've had it. C) Suggest she seek out some comedy relief and pop in Shrek until she falls asleep. D) Tell her she's worse than the stalker freak from the movie for calling you over and over.

6 Your BFF Gina is battling with her youth group friend Amy again. Apparently, Amy won't respond to Gina's calls or e-mails. Gina asks you what she should do. You say,

A) "Ugh, I hate it when someone ignores me! Just do what I would do--ignore her." B) "I'd rather not be involved. Plus, I don't really know Amy." C) "I understand what you're going through. Write Amy a note and tell her you miss her." D) "Face it--she's no friend. Stop acting like a lap dog, and move on."

7 It's mid-terms, and your pal Janelle is failing Spanish. She wants to tell her parents before the Senora does, but she doesn't know how to break the news. What do you tell her? A) "It reminds me of the time I left my new parka at the mall and had to tell my mom. She got pretty mad so, for the rest of the winter, I had to wear my old coat from the year before." B) "No comprendo, mi amiga." C) "Yikes! Give your parents a heads-up. Ask about getting some tutoring so your folks know you're trying to pull your grade up for next semester." D) "What's wrong with you--haven't you been studying?"

8 Last night, Laurie saw her mom and stepfather making out, and she's grossed out. Your advice? A) Tell her you'd freak, too! B) Ask her if it was like a movie make-out. C) Let her vent. Then, nicely remind her that Mom's an adult and, well, she's married. D) Ew! Tell her she's grossing you out, too! Then suggest she knock from now on before entering any room in her house.

Mostly A's Hey, Shallow Pal, I don't know where you go to school, but there's no "u" in "advice." You have an amazing way of making everyone's dilemmas all about you. Whether giving advice isn't your bag or you think your experiences speak for themselves, shift the spotlight away from yourself and become a more compassionate compadre. It's OK to share if you've had a similar problem--just don't make yourself the center of the solution. Listen to what your friend is saying. Chances are, when she's finished, the first thing to pop into your mind will be something starring you. Instead of starting right in with that great story, count to 10 and think about what you're about to say. If it's truly constructive and helpful, your first sentence won't start with an "I."

Mostly B's Earth to Clueless. Come in, Clueless! Your friend is asking for your help. Saying, "I don't know," or changing the subject is not helpful...on any planet. What is helpful is a response that shows you were listening and that you care. Don't enter The Twilight Zone every time your BFF wants an opinion. Ask her how she feels about the situation or what solutions she's already considered. There's also a chance she doesn't want you to tell her what to do--she just wants to talk about it. So relax, and give her reassuring statements like, "I know how you must feel." If she pushes you for some wise words, by all means, share your thoughts. You just might find you have something unique to add after all.

Mostly C's Dr. Phil oughta look Out! You've got it going on. You're caring, compassionate and never pass judgment on your friends. You have a way of making people chill and see things from a different angle. By listening and asking questions, you're able to guide your friends to the best solution rather than giving them a road map of your own opinions. You might find your posse lined up in the lunchroom to pour out their problems. Just be sure to practice what you preach and avoid getting so wrapped up in other people's problems that you forget to have fun and take care of your own life!

Mostly D'S Can you say "judgmental"? Tough love is one thing, but what you're dishing out might be more than what a friend wants to hear in between Kleenex blows. It's great that you have a firm opinion on everything--but that does not mean your road is always necessarily the right road. Why not soften the punch a little bit? Try putting yourself in your BFF's sitch and help her come to her own conclusions. It's OK to share what you would do if confronted with the same dilemma--just don't lay it down like it's the law. And if your friend just wants to talk, let her.

RELATED ARTICLE: FIVE SECRETS TO GIVING GREAT ADVICE EVERY TIME

Amp up your advice-giving skills by keeping these five things in mind. Think of it as advice on giving advice...

1 Listen closely to what she's saying before you respond. This is the best way to determine whether your friend wants your two cents or just needs to talk it out. If she wants your advice, offer it. But sometimes people are just looking for reassurance and encouragement that what they're considering is OK.

2 Make her feel supported and confident. Instead of saying, "Yikes! What are you going to do?" Try, "Ok, let's sit down, talk it over and figure out some options together." Just knowing she doesn't have to face her problems alone will help her feel less anxious and stressed out.

3 Ask open-ended questions. Avoid "yes" or "no" questions. This encourages her to think about a possible plan of action. Get the conversation rolling by asking "What have you considered?"

4 Avoid insensitive responses. Example? "Don't worry about it," or "It's really no big deal." These comments send the message that you're not interested in what's going on. Use words that show you care about her and that you are concerned. Try, "I understand why you feel this way."

5 Be empathetic. Being empathetic means pulling yourself in her shoes. Great advice givers understand where their friends are coming from and can sympathize with their friends' feelings. So share in her sadness, fear, anger or confusion. And, calmly and soothingly, offer her a shoulder to lean on and your best advice....