"hey, sometimes people just need to know that you are there to listen."
...and there inlies the answer my friends, St has hit the nail on the head with spouses, friends, or co-workers sometimes they aren't looking for help they just want to vent. So many times we all 'jump' to help and fix, when we don't need to. Kinda like kids and people in general... we don't come with manuals sometimes it is tough to figure out when to 'act' and when not to, but most times there is no need to 'fix'. Sometimes if you feel a need to respond then respond with..."gosh I have felt that way also..."
I'll be damned...a blast from da past....my brotha from another motha....hope you brought "wood"