WAS wanting to move across the world - help

[whywhy]

Hi Joseph9,

Thanks. I will read the validation thread.

I said to her "I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time". Is that in line with validation? I was trying to empathize?

I shouldn't have asked if I can help I guess. I think I was just trying to help and to show her that she had a shoulder to cry on (albeit with 10,000 miles in between). This was a mistake, so I won't do that again.

But, am curious how I validate without saying "I'm sorry to hear you're in pain"?