I think the advice in this post is true and valuable with regards to the importance of developing a deep understanding of the complainer. I do also think (based on my own experience as both complainer and listener) that sometimes people want empathy or a sounding board rather than advice. That doesn’t mean they literally don’t care about ever solving their problem, but rather that first they need emotional support (in cases where they’re wanting empathy) or space to think out loud rather than prescriptive advice.
I think the advice in this post is true and valuable with regards to the importance of developing a deep understanding of the complainer. I do also think (based on my own experience as both complainer and listener) that sometimes people want empathy or a sounding board rather than advice. That doesn’t mean they literally don’t care about ever solving their problem, but rather that first they need emotional support (in cases where they’re wanting empathy) or space to think out loud rather than prescriptive advice.