A little bit from column A, a little bit from column B…
It depends, of course. I like both, I think the circumstances greatly effect who I ask. No matter how many details you illustrate, strangers may not get the full picture if your perspective is too subjective, or any number of other determinants. A family member may know the situation, but can view it both objectively and subjectively if necessary. However, their personal involvement may cloud their judgment.
I’m of the opinion that when we ask strangers what they think of the situation, we’re often hoping they’ll side with the answer we hope for, and if they don’t, it’s easy to dismiss as “they don’t really know the situation…now that I’ve said it out loud, I think I know what I need to do…”
Other situations, of course, result in helpful answers and a nudge in the right direction. The results, I think, are entirely dependent on the true intent of the asker and if they’re actually looking for solutions versus affirmation.