Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

bellybomb t1_j6a77ax wrote

What is your aim? To show support? To redirect? Or to avoid it entirely?

4

lamelumi_ OP t1_j6a7jkc wrote

To show support.

3

HatchlingChibi t1_j6fmx21 wrote

If they’re just venting, let them. Most likely they just need to get it off their chest, plus the feeling of being heard/listened to is very validating in a lot of circumstances.

My best friend and I will usually give a heads up (like, is it okay if I vent for a bit? Type thing) and we just, listen. At the end we usually go “that really sucks, I’m sorry it happened to you” or we often agree “yeah I’d be frustrated too, he/she/they sound like they’re a real peach”. If it’s someone I care about venting, I mainly just make sure they’re feeling that they’re being heard, even if I can’t help.

I try not to offer advice or talk about my own experiences unless asked.

2