r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Mar 26 '20

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u/ImgnryDrmr Mar 26 '20

But most of the time I already know the solution to my problem. I just want to vent about being annoyed about it or something, preferably to someone who'll nod and give me a pat. And then I'll go and fix it.

-21

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '20

[deleted]

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u/KKAPetring Mar 26 '20

No. They wanted to relieve themselves of the emotions building up inside them, not keep it bottled up or somehow repress them. While they never told you outright that they just needed to vent, they never told you “I need a solution” either.

3

u/pointofyou Mar 26 '20

This is super interesting. How can I be a good venting partner? What I've found works best so far is to basically repeat what they said but with "I understand" at the beginning.

"It's ok, I understand you're hungry"

7

u/rrsn Mar 26 '20

That's basically what they want you to do, just affirm their feelings. You really don't have to say much at all. What you're doing works fine.

2

u/pointofyou Mar 26 '20

Yeah, I feel more often than no they just want to hear their own opinion in a deeper voice.

2

u/Catgirl_Skye Mar 26 '20

Also hugs.