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 (1 child)

Listen and be supportive. If you feel the need to solve, of think they are looking for a solution, ask. "Are you venting or looking for advice?"

It is really important to ask before offering advice/solutions, because doing so can make someone feel like you are trivializing their problem, or that they can't solve it themselves.

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