Usually when someone is venting at me, I feel like I should respond somehow and say something, but I have no idea what that something could/should be. Is it better to just listen or try to comfort them in some way?

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[–] 7 points 3 years ago

I don't know if it's the "right" thing to do, if there's ever one right thing... But I usually offer something that validates their feelings, like "That really sucks," or "They sound like a jerk." Only if it's someone I know well and I can read what they're looking for, I might then comfort, offer advice, or talk about something to cheer them up.

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