I think maybe it's a way of pondering all available options...kind of like making a list and seeking input in case there's an option that wasn't thought of by that person.
The person seeks advice, takes in all suggestions, gives testimony as to why some suggestions will not work, decides whether or not the situation is really as bad as it was made out to be when the advice was sought, thinks about what might be lost if any of the suggestions are followed, and then decides what to do.
Abuse is wrong no matter what form it takes. The person in question has to acknowledge that it IS abuse and make the first move. No one can do it for that person. I think maybe the person is seeing that and hoping things will change, but preparing to do something about it if there is no change.
Or at least I hope so...Just my take...Does this make sense?