How are you supposed to react when someone is talking about an issue you cannot help them with?

3 comments

1. Sometimes the help they want is a listening ear and hug, not actually a solution to the problems. Doesn’t make sense to me, I’d want the problem fixed, but different strokes for different folks

2. I guess you observe what the response is and see how its received by the people you are talking to. People are generally pretty flexible about whats said if they get the sense that the intention behind it is genuine.

   Often when people are talking about a thing thats beyond external help (many problems people have are super hard or not something a third party can assist with) – they are just looking for a sounding board. In fact, in situations like this, offering solutions can actually be less helpful than just allowing people a gentle caring space to get their experience out in the open.

3. I think they just want you to listen. They are venting and saying few words like ‘Sorry to hear that’ helps. It shows that you are listening which is exactly what they need