Not sure if I fall into your category R2C.

When my wife is talking to me venting, I had to retrain myself not to offer advice and not ask if she needed help.

Either before she starts speaking or shortly after once I realize this is going to be a long time listening, I'll ask her simply:

"Are you looking for advice? Or for me to listen?"

That lets me know what to do.

From my point of view and a few articles.
In most cases.
Women talk about problems to vent/stress relief.
Men talk about problems for advice/help.


Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My God, do you learn. - C.S. Lewis

Life is usually all about how you handle Plan B. - Jack3Beans

Listen without defending; Speak without offending - FaithinAK

TRUST THE PROCESS - Cadet