I’m stuck and need to think this through out loud. Don’t solve it yet — help me think.
Here’s my situation: [describe the problem, what you’ve tried, where you’re stuck]
Ask me the questions I’m not asking myself. Poke holes in my assumptions. If I’m overcomplicating it, say so. If I’m missing something obvious, point at it.
Only after we’ve talked it through — then help me build the solution.