The conversation does not need your personal example to be meaningful.

There is a reflex, usually meant well, to answer someone’s story with one of your own. It is offered as proof of understanding, and it often works as a change of subject, because the attention moves and the first person is left waiting to be returned to. Not every moment needs your parallel case. Sometimes the most useful contribution is another question about theirs.

Notice the urge to say that this happened to you too, and let it pass once this week. Ask what happened next instead. If your experience would help, offer it later and briefly.