Sometimes they just want to vent, sometimes they want your insight and solutions.

Listen in the way they want to be listened to. Don’t share possible solutions when all they want is a listening ear.

If they don’t directly tell you what they want from the conversation, ask.
💬“Do you want comfort or solutions?”
💬“Do you want me to fix it or feel it?”

(If you are the one who is sharing, say what you want from the conversation. “I just need to vent.” “I’m feeling awful about this; I need a hug.” “I need to know that I’ll be alright.” “I’m asking for your insight about this.” “Please help me make sense of what happened.”)