Thanks AS and labug, I see that I have been a bit off in my validating. I guess I was equating agreeing with her to validating in this case. I can do better. Right now I am considering reaching out to her and asking her how she is feeling today. I think maybe we have enough rapport right now that I should try and be a supportive friend. Or maybe I just wait for her to reach out again...
Right, you're getting it. Validating is not agreeing, it is giving empathy. Totally different. It's what women do to other women and why women are so prone to sharing their problems with their female friends instead of their H's. Women are natural validators and men are natural fixers! Women don't want to be fixed when they're venting, they want someone to hear them, understand them and offer empathy to them.
I think if you want to reach out as a "supportive friend" then there's no harm in that. Just be careful not to pour it on too heavy.
